India, China driving air traffic growth in Asia Pacific region: AAPA DG

November 15, 2025 at 12:12 PM•2 min read•News18

India and China are key drivers of air traffic growth in the Asia Pacific region, with India experiencing a 16% increase in international air traffic in the first six months of the year, according to the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA). The AAPA remains optimistic about the region's continued air transport growth in 2026, supported by resilient economies and strong passenger and cargo demand.

Key Points

1India and China are driving air traffic growth in the Asia Pacific region.
2AAPA is optimistic about continued air transport growth in the region through 2026.
3India saw a 16% increase in international air traffic in the first six months of the year.
4Asia Pacific airlines are managing supply chain constraints effectively.
5AAPA advocates for investment incentives and regulatory harmonization to enhance regional MRO and manufacturing capabilities.
6AAPA suggests adopting circular economy principles for aircraft materials.

India and China are propelling air traffic growth within the Asia Pacific region, according to the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA). The association, representing 18 airlines including Air India, expresses optimism for sustained air transport expansion in the region through 2026, fueled by robust economies and strong passenger and cargo demand. India's international air traffic saw a 16% surge in the first half of the year, contributing significantly to this growth. The AAPA highlights India's substantial market potential, aligning with Airbus forecasts projecting a demand for 19,560 new narrow-body and wide-body aircraft in the Asia Pacific over the next two decades, largely driven by India and China.

The overall air traffic growth in the Asia Pacific region reached 10% in the first nine months of the year. AAPA acknowledges Air India's crucial role within the association, recognizing its historical significance and ongoing efforts to enhance its operations. Asia Pacific airlines are demonstrating resilience in managing supply chain constraints, maintaining capacity growth in line with demand. However, the association cautions that further tariff escalations could exacerbate existing bottlenecks.

During its 69th Assembly of Presidents in Bangkok, AAPA addressed critical areas including aviation sustainability, supply chain challenges, the carriage of lithium batteries onboard flights, and taxes and charges. The assembly advocated for targeted investment incentives and regulatory harmonization to bolster regional Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) and manufacturing capabilities. AAPA also proposed the adoption of circular economy principles, emphasizing the recycling and reuse of serviceable aircraft materials.

The association's resolutions underscore the commitment to sustainable aviation practices and operational efficiency. By addressing supply chain vulnerabilities and promoting responsible material management, AAPA aims to foster a resilient and environmentally conscious aviation ecosystem in the Asia Pacific region. The focus on regulatory harmonization seeks to streamline processes and enhance the region's competitiveness in the global aviation landscape.

The AAPA's assessment provides a comprehensive outlook on the Asia Pacific aviation market, highlighting the pivotal roles of India and China in driving growth. The association's emphasis on sustainability, supply chain resilience, and regulatory cooperation reflects a proactive approach to navigating the evolving challenges and opportunities within the industry.