At least $13 billion is needed to reduce congestion at Australian airports to cope with increased demand from Asia.

Federal Transport Minister Anthony Albanese says the money is needed to expand airports over the next decade to handle growing demand from Asia's flourishing middle class.

Speaking at the Asia Pacific Aviation/Aerospace Leaders Summit in Melbourne, Mr Albanese said by 2020 almost half of all inbound arrivals would be from the Asia-Pacific region.

"Here just to our north lies the fastest growing market on the planet," he said.

"It is already, of course, the most populous region but before long it will also become home to the world's largest middle class."

Last year, Australia hit a record figure of almost 30 million people flying in and out of the country, driven largely by growth from Asia.

Mr Albanese said 10 years ago there were 11 flights a week between China and Asia but now there were 82.

"As aviation demand grows, so does the need for better road/rail links connecting to our airports," he said.

Construction began two weeks ago on the $600 million Perth Gateway project, improving roads to the airport.

The government was also completing a scoping study into the suitability of Wilton, in Sydney's southwest, as a site for the city's second airport, he said.