Travellers at Hong Kong International Airport.
Worldwide capacity is set to reach 1.6 billion seats during the third quarter (Q3) of 2025, a 2.6% year-on-year increase and 5.7% higher than 2019 levels, according to OAG Schedules Analyser data.
The Asia-Pacific region will see the largest absolute increase in supply, with airlines collectively offering almost 15 million more departure seats compared with Q3 2024. Europe follows with an additional 13.2 million seats, equating to 2.6% and 3.1% growth, respectively.
In percentage terms, Africa will post the strongest year-on-year expansion, with capacity up 5.7%. The Middle East will see growth of 4.9%, while Latin America is forecast to expand by 2.7%. North America is set to record the weakest growth rate, with capacity edging up just 0.5% compared with a year earlier.
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The overall increase highlights how the aviation industry continues to stabilize after years of disruption. While global capacity now sits firmly above pre-pandemic levels, the pace of growth reflects both lingering challenges and shifting market priorities.
In North America, growth has plateaued as carriers emphasize yield management and grapple with supply chain and labor constraints. The region’s slender year-on-year increase also reflects recent retrenchment by some carriers, including Spirit Airlines, which is scaling back its network while restructuring under Chapter 11. In Canada, airlines have also trimmed U.S. transborder services amid softer demand.
By contrast, Asia-Pacific markets are benefiting from the return of long-haul demand and strong intra-regional travel, helping to cement the region’s position as the largest engine of global seat growth.
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