United Airlines Group retained the top global position for passenger traffic in 2025, with RPKs rising 5%, while American and Delta each grew 1%. Europe recorded more restrained growth, with Ryanair carrying 208 million passengers, while Gulf, African and Turkish carriers expanded more rapidly — Etihad grew traffic 23%, Ethiopian 18% and Pegasus 17%.

Asia-Pacific growth moderated overall, although Indian airlines continued to expand strongly and Cathay Pacific increased traffic 29%. Indonesia's Garuda and Lion Air groups experienced declining traffic and capacity, while Air New Zealand was constrained by engine-related aircraft availability.

The EU's Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking has approved €290 million for 19 new aviation research projects, representing €664 million in combined public and private investment. Funding will target hybrid-electric propulsion, hydrogen fuel-cell and combustion technologies, advanced airframes and other efficiency improvements, with Airbus, Rolls-Royce, MTU, Leonardo, Safran and Avio Aero among participants. Ground and flight demonstrations are planned for 2029–2030, targeting at least a 30% reduction in net greenhouse-gas emissions for future regional and short/medium-range aircraft.

American Airlines and United Airlines are considering further Q4 2026 capacity reductions as sharply higher fuel prices pressure operating costs, with Brent crude exceeding $130/barrel in mid-September. Both carriers are targeting marginal or potentially unprofitable services while reporting resilient passenger demand and stronger revenues. United expects some planned December flights to be removed and warns further adjustments could extend into early 2027 if fuel prices remain elevated.