Top 12 Largest Airlines in the World 2025
The global aviation industry is a vital lifeline for economies, connecting people, goods, and cultures across continents. Over the years, certain airlines have emerged as giants, dominating the skies with extensive fleets, unparalleled passenger services, and sprawling networks that span the globe.
In 2025, these key players continue to shape the future of air travel, excelling in various metrics such as fleet size, passenger capacity, revenue, and network reach, setting benchmarks for innovation, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
This article shows the largest airlines in the world, highlighting their achievements, operational scale, and contributions to the aviation landscape as they continually adapt to the demands of a dynamic world.
1. United Airlines
United Airlines boasts the largest fleet globally, operating 994 mainline aircraft, including a mix of Airbus and Boeing models. Notably, it maintains the world’s largest fleets of the Airbus A220, Boeing 717, and Boeing 757, and the largest passenger fleet of the Boeing 767.
Despite an average fleet age of 19.4 years, United has placed orders for over 700 new aircraft, expected to be delivered by 2033, signaling a significant modernization effort.
2. Delta Air Lines
With a fleet of 987 mainline aircraft, Delta Air Lines ranks second globally. The airline operates a diverse range of Airbus and Boeing aircraft and has historically favored acquiring used aircraft to manage costs.
With data from 2023, we found that Delta’s fleet had an average age of 15.3 years, reflecting efforts to modernize its lineup.
3. American Airlines
American Airlines operates a substantial fleet of 977 aircraft, serving 356 passenger destinations. In 2022, it led the industry by carrying 199 million passengers.
The airline continues to expand its network and services, maintaining a significant presence in both domestic and international markets, actively modernizing its fleet, replacing older aircraft with newer models like the Airbus A321neo and Boeing 737 MAX.
4. Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines, known for its extensive domestic network, operates a fleet of 801 aircraft. In 2024, the airline announced a shift from its long-standing unassigned seating policy to assigned seating, aiming to enhance customer satisfaction.
This change took effect in early 2025, alongside the introduction of overnight flights and premium seating options and resulted in growth of their overall passenger numbers.
Additionally, the airline operates an all-Boeing 737 fleet, ensuring streamlined maintenance and operational efficiency.
5. China Southern Airlines
As China’s largest carrier, China Southern Airlines operates 665 aircraft, serving 247 passenger destinations.
The airline has one of the youngest fleets, featuring models like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350.
Its extensive domestic network supports China’s rapidly growing aviation market, while its international expansion focuses on Europe and North America, capitalizing on geopolitical dynamics to offer competitive fares and increased capacity.
6. Ryanair
Ryanair, Europe’s leading low-cost carrier, operates a fleet of 607 aircraft, serving 234 destinations.
The airline dominates Europe’s low-cost airline market, offering affordable flights across the continent. Its all-Boeing 737 fleet ensures operational simplicity and cost efficiency.
Ryanair continues to expand its route network, focusing on underserved markets and secondary airports to keep prices competitive.
7. Emirates
Emirates is synonymous with luxury and long-haul travel. Its fleet includes the largest number of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s, offering unparalleled comfort and amenities.
The airline’s hub in Dubai connects travelers from Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. Emirates’ First Class features private suites, shower spas, and gourmet dining, making it a favorite for premium travelers.
The airline is also expanding its cargo division, playing a key role in global logistics.
8. Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines operates a fleet of 531 aircraft, serving 287 destinations across 120 countries, holding a very prestigious title for the highest number of countries served by any airline.
This extensive network underscores its strategic position connecting East and West, facilitating significant passenger and cargo traffic through its Istanbul hub.
Turkish Airlines is also recognized for its exceptional in-flight catering, with meals prepared by onboard chefs. The airline is expanding its fleet with new Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s, enhancing fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.
9. Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways is a global leader in premium air travel, renowned for its award-winning service.
Operating from its hub at Hamad International Airport in Doha, the airline connects travelers to six continents with a fleet size of over 250 aircrafts across 173 destinations.
The airline has consistently been recognized as one of the best in the world and is heavily invested in sustainability, with plans to reduce its carbon footprint through the use of advanced aircraft like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787.
Qatar Airways’ Qsuite in Business Class is widely regarded as the best in the industry, offering privacy and luxury.
10. Lufthansa Group
Lufthansa Group, encompassing Lufthansa and its subsidiaries (Austrian Airlines, Swiss International Airlines, and others), operates a fleet of 514 aircraft, serving 219 destinations. Metrics from 2022 show that, the group carried 101 million passengers, reflecting its significant presence in the European and global aviation markets.
The airline continues to focus on premium services and expanding its intercontinental routes.
11. Air France–KLM
The Air France–KLM group operates a combined fleet of 514 aircraft serving 219 destinations worldwide. Last year, the group carried over 83.3 million passengers, maintaining a strong presence in both European and international markets.
Air France’s La Première service is a benchmark for luxury, while KLM’s focus on sustainability includes the use of biofuels and fleet modernization. Together, the airline group continues to focus on enhancing passenger experience and expanding its global network.
12. IndiGo
IndiGo, India’s largest airline, operates a fleet of 434 aircraft, serving 610 routes. Its low-cost model emphasizes punctuality and efficiency. With an all-Airbus fleet, the airline minimizes maintenance costs and maximizes operational efficiency.
IndiGo is also focused on sustainability, introducing newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft like the Airbus A321neo.
Conclusion
In this post-pandemic era, these airlines exemplify resilience, innovation, and strategic growth in a rapidly evolving industry. From modernizing fleets to expanding global networks, they have positioned themselves as leaders in connecting the world.
As they navigate challenges like sustainability, shifting geopolitical landscapes, and fluctuating travel demands, these carriers are shaping the future of aviation. Their success stories are not just about numbers but also about the experiences they offer and the bridges they build between continents and cultures.
So, as we look to the skies, let these airlines remain a testament to human ingenuity and the enduring spirit of exploration.
Chao!
