Caribbean air journey capability shrinking, solely behind Middle East | Enterprise

The Caribbean recorded the second-largest decline in airline seat capability on the planet after the Middle East in July compared with year-earlier ranges, in keeping with the OAG, a UK-based journey analytics agency.

“Global capacity this month has increased by 8.3 million seats, compared to July 2025, equivalent to an increase of 1.5 per cent,” said the OAG findings. Five areas globally, nonetheless, declined in July. Caribbean capability fell 4.2 per cent year-on-year, a discount of roughly 200,000 seats. The area 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 information didn’t disclose the rationale for the decline. The Caribbean’s contraction for July continues a pattern from earlier months. In May 2026, OAG reported that capability to the Caribbean had fallen 3.6 per cent, a discount of 152,100 seats. The decline comes amid the mixed results of Hurricane Melissa’s influence on resort inventory and airport infrastructure in Jamaica, the collapse of Spirit Airlines in May, rising gasoline prices linked to the battle within the Middle East, and Caribbean Airlines’ choice to chop unprofitable Eastern Caribbean routes.

In Jamaica, the Pacific Airport Group (GAP), which operates the Sangster and Norman Manley worldwide airports, reported a one-quarter dip in passenger visitors at Sangster through the first half of 2026. GAP has stated it expects a full restoration of seat capability by the winter season, supported by new routes from Porter Airlines, Wingo, and expanded service from current carriers.

Globally, capability grew 1.5 per cent to 565.5 million seats, pushed primarily by Europe, which added six million seats, and North East Asia, which added 3.4 million. Central and Western Africa posted the quickest progress charge at 16.9 per cent.

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