Caribbean air travel capacity shrinking, only behind Middle East

The Caribbean recorded the second-largest decline in airline seat capacity in the world after the Middle East in July when compared with year-earlier levels, according to the OAG, a UK-based travel analytics firm.

“Global capacity this month has increased by 8.3 million seats, compared to July 2025, equivalent to an increase of 1.5 per cent,” stated the OAG findings. Five regions globally, however, declined in July. Caribbean capacity fell 4.2 per cent year-on-year, a reduction of approximately 200,000 seats. The region joins the Middle East, down 7.0 per cent; South Asia, down 3.7 per cent; South East Asia, down 1.4 per cent; and North America, down 0.3 per cent.

The data did not disclose the reason for the decline. The Caribbean’s contraction for July continues a trend from earlier months. In May 2026, OAG reported that capacity to the Caribbean had fallen 3.6 per cent, a reduction of 152,100 seats. The decline comes amid the combined effects of Hurricane Melissa’s impact on hotel stock and airport infrastructure in Jamaica, the collapse of Spirit Airlines in May, rising fuel costs linked to the conflict in the Middle East, and Caribbean Airlines’ decision to cut unprofitable Eastern Caribbean routes.

In Jamaica, the Pacific Airport Group (GAP), which operates the Sangster and Norman Manley international airports, reported a one-quarter dip in passenger traffic at Sangster during the first half of 2026. GAP has said it expects a full recovery of seat capacity by the winter season, supported by new routes from Porter Airlines, Wingo, and expanded service from existing carriers.

Globally, capacity grew 1.5 per cent to 565.5 million seats, driven primarily by Europe, which added six million seats, and North East Asia, which added 3.4 million. Central and Western Africa posted the fastest growth rate at 16.9 per cent.

business@gleanerjm.com