Latin America and Caribbean aviation network narrows despite seat growth

A study commissioned by Airports Council International – Latin America and Caribbean (ACI-LAC) reveals that while seat capacity in the region is projected to exceed pre-pandemic levels by 2026, the overall connectivity network has contracted. The number of connected airport pairs is expected to reach 3,306 in 2026, a significant decrease from the 3,959 pairs recorded in 2019.

Much of this decline is attributed to a reduction in international links, particularly with the United States. Connections between the region and the U.S. are projected to drop from 1,322 pairs in 2019 to 892 in 2026. Despite this, the U.S. and Canada remain the largest international markets for the region.

While international connectivity has faced challenges, intra-regional links have fully recovered. Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia remain the dominant markets, collectively accounting for over 57% of the region’s scheduled seats. Airlines are currently reassessing long-haul markets and hub strategies to adapt to evolving economic conditions and changing travel demands.