EU airlines' seat capacity getting back on track Pre-Covid

The seating capacity of EU airlines has nearly returned to levels seen before the pandemic. An analysis conducted by an aviation market intelligence company called CAPA – Centre for Aviation found that the capacity of airlines has now reached almost 89 percent of what it will be in 2019. 

Over the course of the past two weeks, the projected volumes for the fourth quarter of 2022 have also increased slightly to 88%, as was first reported by the sources. Italy and Spain continue to lead the pack as the markets with the highest capacity recovery; both countries are currently operating at 94% of their 2019 levels. France comes in at number three with 92.4%. 

The United Kingdom is currently operating at 85% of its pre-Covid levels, representing a 2% improvement since May. 

The recovery of the industry may nevertheless be hampered by capacity restrictions at major hubs such as Heathrow and Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, both of which have extended their passenger cap until the end of October. 

Alex Macheras, an aviation analyst with City A.M., offered the following commentary in response to the news: “While the international air travel recovery is well underway, airlines have had no choice but to restrict their own growth this year in light of the sector’s staff shortage and a strong summer demand following two years of restrictions.” 

The Dutch airport made the announcement at the beginning of August that it would continue to implement the measure, setting the limit for the daily number of departing passengers at 67,500 for the month of September and 69,500 for the month of October. 

The west London hub announced the previous Monday that it would keep the limit, which prompted airlines such as British Airways to eliminate 10,000 flights from their winter schedule.