Asia is emerging as the main driver of global aviation growth, with India, China and Southeast Asia expected to dominate air travel expansion over the next two decades, according to a new whitepaper released by Alton Aviation Consultancy ahead of the 2026 Singapore Airshow.

The report states that eight of the world’s 10 fastest-growing air travel markets between 2024 and 2044 will be in Asia. International passenger traffic in the Asia-Pacific region grew by 8% in 2025, outpacing the global growth rate of 6.8% . Since 2015, airlines in the region have launched over 600 new routes, improving connectivity and opening access to previously underserved destinations.

India is highlighted as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally, driven by strong economic growth and a rapidly expanding middle class. While China continues to remain a major player, Southeast Asia is emerging as a key growth region, led by countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Mabel Kwan, Managing Director at Alton’s Singapore office, said Asia’s aviation story is no longer only about China. She noted that growth in South and Southeast Asia is broad-based, with airlines expanding into new markets, renewing fleets and forming new partnerships to remain competitive.

The report also points to strong near-term opportunities in unserved and underserved routes across Asia. The introduction of longer-range narrowbody aircraft is expected to enable new point-to-point services between secondary cities, supporting sustainable growth on routes that were previously not viable for larger wide-body aircraft.

In addition to passenger traffic, Asia-Pacific is gaining a larger share of the global air cargo market and now accounts for about 40 per cent of total freight demand. This reflects the region’s growing role in global supply chains and the rise in intra-Asia trade.

The whitepaper also highlights increasing airline consolidation across Asia, as carriers face cost pressures and intense competition. While passenger demand remains strong, margin challenges are pushing airlines to explore mergers, partnerships and new business models to ensure long-term stability.

Adam Cowburn, Managing Director at Alton’s Singapore office, said consolidation has become a strategic necessity for many airlines in Asia. He noted that while similar restructuring has occurred in North America and Europe, Asia’s consolidation is happening alongside strong traffic growth, creating unique opportunities.

To support this rapid expansion, governments and airport operators across the region are investing heavily in airport infrastructure and introducing advanced technologies to improve capacity, efficiency and the overall passenger experience.