Airlines are predicting passenger volumes to rise 31 per cent by 2017.

This is according to the Airline Industry Forecast 2013-2017 from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). In four years' time, it expects numbers to reach 3.91 billion, 930 million more than the total carried in 2012.

It forecasts an average compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4 per cent, in comparison to the 4.3 per cent CAGR witnessed between 2008 and 2012. Of new traffic, around 292 million will use international routes, yet 638 million will be on domestic services.

The organisation suggests the emerging economy in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific will drive the most international demand, with CAGRs of 6.3 per cent and 5.7 per cent respectively.

IATA's director general and chief executive officer Tony Tyler was not surprised these regions are leading the industry.

He said: "Governments in both areas recognise the value of the connectivity provided by aviation to drive global trade and development."

The biggest growth will be seen in China, as 30 per cent of all new passengers are predicted to use internal and international flights.