# Global aviation capacity and cargo trends > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-aviation-capacity-and-cargo-trends > Updated: 2026-10-25T12:27:03.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. The global aviation sector has shown divergent trends in seat capacity and cargo demand. In early October 2026, global airline seat capacity grew by 2.6% year-over-year, with significant increases in Northeast Asia, Western Europe, and Central and Western Africa. However, regional instability in the Middle East caused a 5.7% decline in capacity for major carriers. During the same period, global air cargo demand rose by 4.4%, supported by manufacturing activity despite rising jet fuel costs. By late October 2026, global airline capacity growth moderated to 1.6% year-on-year. This expansion was largely driven by seat additions in Northeast Asia and North America. Regional disparities persisted, with Central and Western Africa recording 18.4% growth, while the Middle East saw a further contraction of 7.8%. While North American carriers like Alaska Airlines reported increased flight frequencies, several European legacy carriers, including Deutsche Lufthansa AG and British Airways, continued to face capacity reductions. Analysts noted that airlines are managing pressures from inflation, geopolitical uncertainty, and shifting consumer confidence through capacity discipline. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-25: Global airline capacity increases 1.6% in October 2026 Global airline capacity rose 1.6% in October 2026, led by gains in Northeast Asia and North America, despite capacity contractions in the Middle East and Europe. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-airline-capacity-increases-16-in-october-2026 ### 2026-10-05: Global aviation sees rising seat capacity and air cargo demand Global airline seat capacity rose 2.6% year-on-year, led by growth in Asia and Europe, while air cargo demand increased 4.4% amid strengthening global trade and manufacturing activity. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-aviation-sees-rising-seat-capacity-and-air-cargo-demand --- Cite as: Global aviation capacity and cargo trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-aviation-capacity-and-cargo-trends