India to Surpass China in Air Travel Growth by 2026 Amid Aviation Boom
India is set to surpass China in air passenger traffic growth by 2026, marking a historic shift in global aviation leadership. According to Airports Council International (ACI), India’s aviation market is gaining momentum through massive infrastructure developments, including 50 new airport projects and over 1,700 aircraft orders. While China currently leads with a 12% growth rate, India is projected to overtake it with a 10.5% growth in 2026, continuing to outpace through 2027 and beyond. Fueled by rising domestic demand, low per capita air travel, and government-backed expansion, India is expected to become the world’s fastest-growing aviation market through 2053, while China’s growth slows significantly.
India is on course to outpace China in air passenger traffic growth by 2026, according to fresh forecasts released by Airports Council International (ACI).
Currently home to 159 operational airports, India has laid out ambitious plans to develop 50 additional airport projects over the next five years. The country’s airlines are showing strong confidence in the future, having placed cumulative orders exceeding 1,700 aircraft.
