European Aviation Capacity Reaches 125.8 Million Seats in November Despite Regional Disparities

Overall European aviation capacity grew 5% year-over-year reaching 125.8 million seats during November 2025, with international capacity expanding 7% whilst domestic capacity contracted 1.9% compared to November 2024, according to OAG schedule data. Low-cost carrier capacity increased 5.6% versus prior year, whilst mainline carriers posted 4.6% growth, representing 64% of total market.

Spain and United Kingdom maintained positions as largest capacity markets with 13.1 million and 13 million seats respectively. Capacity increased 1.1% and 2.5% respectively versus November 2024. Turkey demonstrated fastest growth at 8%, adding 784,000 additional seats. Middle East routes recorded strongest international growth at 20.2% year-over-year, adding 1.7 million seats.

Ryanair remained Europe's largest carrier with 14.5 million seats, representing 6.4% increase versus prior year, operating 7.9 million more seats than second-placed easyJet. SAS Scandinavian Airlines recorded largest percentage capacity increase at 15.4% reaching 3.1 million seats, followed by Turkish low-cost carrier Pegasus with 14.6% year-over-year increase to 3.8 million seats.

Growth occurred despite multiple carriers implementing winter capacity reductions across German markets citing soaring airport fees and aviation taxes. Lufthansa announced approximately 100 domestic weekly flight cuts effective winter schedule, whilst Ryanair trimmed over 800,000 seats from German operations. Industry analysts noted strategic capacity reallocation toward profitable leisure routes offsetting cuts in cost-constrained markets.