After a dramatic dip during the pandemic, global aircraft traffic has steadily recovered. By 2053, annual aircraft movements (meaning takeoffs plus landings) are expected to reach nearly 176 million—about 1.8 times more than in 2024.

That means busier airports are on the way. Today’s airport executives are planning for a future in which more planes will need to fit on runways and at gates, and more passengers—including many first-time air travelers—will need to pass through security, bag check, and boarding processes.