New data from OAG reveals a robust expansion in global airline capacity for June 2025, reaching 523.7 million seats, a 3% increase over June 2024, equating to an additional 17.2 million seats. The latest analysis underscores dynamic shifts and continued growth across key aviation markets, with American Airlines cementing its position as the world’s largest airline by frequency.
American Airlines leads globally in flight frequencies, recording 197,700 frequencies this month. This figure positions them significantly ahead of Delta Air Lines by 39,400 frequencies, solidifying American’s preeminent standing in this metric. While American Airlines also saw a substantial increase of 10,000 frequencies year-over-year, United Airlines demonstrated the strongest growth in extra flying, adding 11,900 more frequencies compared to last year.
In terms of growth rate, IndiGo continues its impressive trajectory, showing the fastest expansion at 9.3% compared to June 2024. Conversely, four major airlines experienced a decline in frequencies this month: Southwest Airlines (-1.3%), Aeroflot (-1.8%), JetBlue (-3.8%), and Lufthansa (-4.7%).
The United States remains the undisputed leader in domestic air travel, boasting 92.7 million seats this month. This is a significant 23.7 million seats more than the second-largest domestic market, China, which registered 68.9 million seats. Among the top 10 domestic markets, Brazil leads with the fastest growth rate, up 9.7% year-over-year, followed closely by India at 7.4%. Indonesia, however, continues a three-month trend of decline, down 6.3%, with Japan also seeing a slight decrease of 0.9%.
Regionally, Western Europe has edged out North America for the largest seat capacity this month, with 117.7 million seats compared to North America’s 117.1 million. North East Asia recorded the largest growth in absolute seat capacity, adding 3.7 million seats to reach 109.5 million. The highest growth rates were observed in Central Asia (up 18%) and Lower South America (up 9%). Central/Western Africa was the only region to experience a decline in capacity, down 3% compared to last year, continuing a recent trend.
OAG noted that the aviation landscape in June 2025 highlights a strong rebound and strategic reconfigurations across global networks. While traditional powerhouses like American Airlines maintain their leadership, the rapid growth seen in emerging markets and specific regions underscores the dynamic nature of air travel demand and supply, OAG added.
