How Can Southeast Asia’s Air Transport Sector and Governments Work Together to Expand Aviation Sustainably in the Region?
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Publication Type:
Publisher:
Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI)
Publication:
August 2025
Reforming airport and air navigation infrastructure investment and regulation can improve aviation performance and better support Asia’s sustainable development.
Aviation is a key driver of Southeast Asia’s economy, boosting tourism, trade, and jobs in the region. However, rapid expansion increases carbon emissions and strains resources, necessitating urgent sustainability measures.
The region is witnessing one of the fastest rates of growth in the aviation sector in the world, fueled by rising incomes, population growth, and a growing middle-income class. In the decade before the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, passenger traffic, including international travel, increased by over 140%, reaching nearly 500 million passengers in 2019.
Expanding airport capacity through multi-airport models (e.g., Jakarta, Bangkok) can distribute air traffic efficiently while minimizing urban congestion and environmental harm. ASEAN governments and aviation stakeholders must collaborate on policies, such as the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel, to reduce emissions while promoting sustainable growth. By prioritizing green technologies, carbon-neutral policies, and public–private partnerships, ASEAN can set a global example in balancing aviation growth with environmental and social responsibility.
