*Updated with full year 2025 data*
China's aviation market is one of the largest and most competitive in the world. With hundreds of millions of passengers travelling domestically each year, Chinese carriers have grown to a scale that rivals the biggest airlines anywhere on the planet. Using OAG's 2025 schedules data, we've ranked the top 10 domestic airlines in China by total seat capacity.
The top 10 airlines in China by domestic seat capacity
China Southern Airlines leads the ranking with 125.6 million seats in 2025, ahead of China Eastern Airlines at 121.5 million. These two carriers are closely matched at the top, with a gap of just over four million seats between them. Air China sits in third place with 94 million seats, completing what is a dominant trio: between them, these three airlines account for 341 million seats and 58% of the top ten's total capacity.
A market defined by its top three carriers
The gap between the top three airlines in China and the rest of the market is considerable. Hainan Airlines, in fourth place with 47.9 million seats, sits 46 million seats behind Air China in third, reflecting just how concentrated capacity is at the top of the Chinese market. The fifth through tenth positions are more closely bunched together, with Shenzhen Airlines (39.6m), Sichuan Airlines (38.8m) and Xiamen Airlines (37.8m) separated by fewer than two million seats.
Low-cost carriers in China's top ten
It's worth noting that Spring Airlines is the only low-cost carrier to feature in the top ten, making China somewhat unusual among large aviation markets. China's aviation market structure, including route allocation and regulatory frameworks, has historically favoured the major state-owned carriers, a dynamic that continues to be reflected in the 2025 data.
Each month OAG tracks key statistics from the Chinese aviation market, including capacity, top airlines, busiest airports and more. View OAG's China Regional Briefing.
Table: China's Biggest airlines by domestic capacity (one-way)
