Top ten global airlines by seat capacity in 2025: TTW’s comprehensive analysis you need to know

Published on January 22, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

The aviation industry in 2025 continues to evolve, with airlines expanding their networks and leveraging modern aircraft to meet growing passenger demand.

Seat capacity—a key metric in assessing an airline’s reach and operational strength—reveals notable trends in regional dominance and global competition.

This article provides an in-depth exploration of the top 10 airlines by seat capacity for Q1 2025, highlighting their hubs, busiest routes, and influence on global travel.

1. American Airlines: 66,290,461 Seats

American Airlines (AA) secures the top position with over 66 million seats in Q1 2025. Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, AA operates a vast network that connects North America with destinations in Latin America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

Key hubs include:

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (largest operational base)

Charlotte Douglas International Airport

Miami International Airport

Busiest domestic routes:

Dallas to Los Angeles

Miami to New York

Prominent international routes:

Miami to London

Charlotte to Madrid

As a member of the Oneworld alliance, AA’s seamless integration of domestic and international networks reinforces its leadership.

2. Delta Air Lines: 57,113,088 Seats

Delta Air Lines (DL) ranks second with a seat capacity exceeding 57 million. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Delta operates from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport—the world’s busiest airport. Its extensive network spans six continents, emphasizing transatlantic and transpacific routes.

Key domestic routes:

Atlanta to Orlando

Detroit to New York

International highlights:

New York to Paris

Seattle to Tokyo

Delta’s commitment to innovation and its SkyTeam alliance partnerships position it as a cornerstone of global aviation.

3. Southwest Airlines: 53,854,981 Seats

Southwest Airlines (WN), with over 53 million seats, dominates the U.S. domestic travel market. The airline’s unique point-to-point model avoids traditional hub-and-spoke systems, enhancing its operational flexibility.

Primary bases:

Denver International Airport

Chicago Midway International Airport

Dallas Love Field

Popular routes include:

Denver to Las Vegas

Chicago Midway to Phoenix

Southwest’s customer-friendly policies and affordability make it a favorite among U.S. travelers.

4. United Airlines: 52,449,849 Seats

United Airlines (UA), with a seat capacity of over 52 million, leverages strategically located hubs to offer seamless connectivity. Major hubs include:

Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Newark Liberty International Airport

San Francisco International Airport

Busiest routes:

Newark to Orlando

Chicago to Houston

Notable international routes:

Newark to London

San Francisco to Sydney

As a member of the Star Alliance, United benefits from extensive global partnerships, enhancing its reach.

5. Ryanair: 42,192,736 Seats

Ryanair (FR) leads Europe with over 42 million seats, specializing in low-cost, high-frequency flights.

Primary operational bases:

London Stansted Airport

Dublin Airport

Milan Bergamo Airport

Key routes:

Dublin to London

Milan to Barcelona

Ryanair’s emphasis on secondary airports and low fares has made it a dominant player in European aviation.

6. China Eastern Airlines: 38,153,720 Seats

China Eastern Airlines (MU) ranks sixth globally, offering over 38 million seats. Based in Shanghai, its operations focus on domestic and Asia-Pacific routes.

Primary hubs:

Shanghai Pudong International Airport

Beijing Daxing International Airport

Popular routes:

Shanghai to Beijing

Shanghai to Tokyo

The airline’s growth reflects China’s burgeoning aviation market.

7. China Southern Airlines: 37,757,186 Seats

China Southern Airlines (CZ), with over 37 million seats, operates from hubs in Guangzhou, Beijing Daxing, and Shenzhen.

Notable routes:

Guangzhou to Beijing

Guangzhou to Sydney

China Southern’s focus on modern aircraft and customer service solidifies its position in the Asia-Pacific region.

8. IndiGo: 36,705,811 Seats

India’s largest airline, IndiGo (6E), offers over 36 million seats, focusing on cost-efficient domestic travel.

Key hubs:

Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, Mumbai

Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru

Popular routes:

Delhi to Mumbai

Chennai to Hyderabad

IndiGo’s strategic expansion aligns with India’s rapidly growing aviation market.

9. Air China: 29,029,237 Seats

Air China (CA), with over 29 million seats, operates from Beijing Capital International Airport.

Key domestic routes:

Beijing to Shanghai

Beijing to Hong Kong

As China’s flagship carrier, Air China’s reputation is bolstered by its Star Alliance membership.

10. LATAM Airlines: 26,139,608 Seats

LATAM Airlines (LA), the largest carrier in Latin America, offers over 26 million seats in Q1 2025.

Primary hubs:

São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport

Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, Santiago

Jorge Chávez International Airport, Lima

Key routes:

São Paulo to Santiago

Lima to Bogotá

LATAM’s extensive network connects South America with global destinations, playing a pivotal role in regional aviation.

Shaping the Future of Aviation

The top 10 airlines by seat capacity in Q1 2025 demonstrate the dynamic nature of global aviation.

North American giants dominate the list, while Asia’s growth and Europe’s low-cost carriers highlight regional diversity.

As competition intensifies and passenger expectations evolve, these airlines are set to redefine the future of air travel through innovation, expansion, and resilience.