Middle East leads as August figures reveal global airline capacity growth after year of decline

A report by aviation data providers OAG, reveals that the Middle East saw both flights and capacity for travel to and from the region increase by 13% and 14% respectively last month.

This represented an additional 5,833 flights and 1.3 million more seats than in the same month in 2008. The number of flights and seats offered within the region was up by 19% and 18% respectively.

The world’s airlines have 314.2 million seats on offer this month, a rise of 0.2% (472,839 more seats) over August 2008 levels. However, frequencies remained lower with the world's carriers scheduling a total of 2.53 million flights in August, down by 2%.

Of this number, low-cost carriers accounted for 18.2% of flights and 21.8% of seats. Worldwide, frequencies and capacity in the low cost sector was up by 2% compared to the previous year.

OAG reported that on the key long-haul routes in August, the one between Western Europe and the Middle East showed an increase in capacity of 15% (443,000 more seats).

David Beckerman, vice president OAG Market Intelligence, said: "After a year of capacity cutbacks, it is encouraging to see positive numbers in the year on year comparisons.

"August is traditionally one of the busiest months for air travel and it will be interesting to see if the steady upward trend we have seen since May continues once the summer vacation season draws to a close."