Airline Passengers by Country 2024

Although air travel temporarily declined during the pandemic, it is once again a critical part of getting from place to place in 2023. Airlines drastically reduce travel times and streamline the process of traveling long distances for people all over the world.

However, there are definite differences from country to country in the average number of total airline passengers each year. Here’s a breakdown of which countries have the most total airline passengers as of 2023, as well as a few points that can affect air travel frequency from one nation to the next.

Countries With the Most Total Airline Passengers

On average, the United States has the most total airline passengers worldwide – over 665 million each year. However, many other countries have populations that frequently travel by air, as well. Here are some top examples:

According to the International Air Transport Association, the total number of passengers worldwide grew by nearly 30 percent in 2023’s second quarter, up from the same period of time in 2022. This increase brings air travel frequency nearly to the same place it was before the pandemic. By the end of 2023, it’s estimated that approximately 4.35 billion people will have undertaken air travel that year.

There are many different factors that could impact the frequency of air travel from one nation or region to the next. Here are a few to keep in mind. Modern air passengers have many potential reasons for booking their flights, including recreational travel and business excursions. Industry-focused countries may see more people traveling frequently for work purposes, while tourism hotspots may see younger passengers overall and more of them traveling for pleasure. Larger countries with more mass (such as the U.S. or China) may see more people turning to air travel as an approachable way to cross lengthy distances more efficiently. The same goes for countries and regions that may be located further away from key travel hubs. Meanwhile, ground transportation may be a more popular option in smaller nations. A nation’s economy, transportation infrastructure, and approach to security can influence air travel frequency, as well.