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This March, our infographics of the month cover global airfare trends, the most punctual airlines of February 2026, the fastest-growing carriers by four key metrics, how the top US airlines have reshaped their international networks since 2019, and what the Kangaroo Route really looks like in 2026. Click any chart to read the full analysis.
Global Airline Pricing Data
Looking at the first 11 weeks of the year, global average economy airfares have climbed significantly since their COVID-era low of $293 in 2020, with fares in this period peaking at $505 in 2025. By week 11 of 2026, fares were up 24% year-on-year, making this one of the sharpest early-year pricing surges in recent memory. The data covers the lowest available economy prices at departure across weeks 1–11 each year from 2019 to 2026.
Kangaroo Route: United Kingdom to Australia
With 2,300 one-stop weekly connecting flights across 26 gateway airports, the UK–Australia Kangaroo Route remains one of aviation's most connected long-haul corridors. At 9,178 nautical miles between London and Sydney, the most efficient stopovers are via Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, adding just 1% in distance. By contrast, routing via Toronto adds 44% to the journey at 13,215 nautical miles. Data is sourced from 16–22 March 2026.
Top 10 Most Punctual Major Airlines – February 2026
Hainan Airlines topped the punctuality rankings for major carriers in February 2026, achieving the highest on-time rate in the 80.5–86.5% range alongside one of the lowest cancellation rates. British Airways and Qantas followed closely behind. The rankings cover airlines operating more than 20,000 flights in the month, with United Airlines logging the highest volume at 128.2k flights.
Top US Airlines' International Growth – American Airlines
Comparing Summer 2026 with Summer 2019, American Airlines has grown most strongly in the Caribbean and Central America, while pulling back in North America. The data shows scheduled flight volumes by region and highlights how the carrier has reoriented its international network over seven years.
Top US Airlines' International Growth – Delta Air Lines
Delta's biggest expansion between Summer 2019 and Summer 2026 has been into Western Europe, growing from around 16,200 to 18,700 scheduled flights, while North American international flying has reduced significantly. Capacity to the Caribbean and Central America has also declined, with North East Asia similarly down.
Top US Airlines' International Growth – United Airlines
United has pushed hardest into Central America and Western Europe between Summer 2019 and Summer 2026, with Caribbean capacity also up substantially. North American international flying has remained broadly flat, while North East Asia has slightly declined.
The OAG Airline-Tech Innovation Radar – March 2026
March 2026's innovation radar highlights agentic AI as the defining theme of the moment, with three notable developments clustered in the Distribution and Network & Revenue Management segments. These developments signal that AI-driven retail is moving from experiment to mainstream.
Fastest Growing Airlines – ASKs
Measured by Available Seat Kilometres for full-year 2025 vs 2024, IndiGo leads the top 20 largest airlines by capacity with growth of +14.7%. easyJet (+8.7%), LATAM Airlines (+8.6%), Wizz Air (+8.6%), and China Eastern (+7.5%) round out the top five.
Fastest Growing Airlines – Seats
Ranked by seat capacity growth for full-year 2025 vs 2024, IndiGo again leads among the top 20 largest airlines, followed by Wizz Air, Turkish Airlines, LATAM Airlines, and United. The ranking reflects how carriers are deploying larger or more frequent aircraft across their networks.
Fastest Growing Airlines – Frequency
By flight frequency growth for full-year 2025 vs 2024, Turkish Airlines tops the ranking among the top 20 largest airlines by capacity, followed by United, IndiGo, Wizz Air, and LATAM Airlines. Frequency growth indicates airlines are adding more departures rather than simply upsizing aircraft.
Fastest Growing Airlines – Routes
easyJet leads route network expansion for full-year 2025 vs 2024 among the top 20 largest airlines by capacity, ahead of Wizz Air, IndiGo, LATAM Airlines, and Delta. Route growth signals airlines actively opening new city pairs rather than solely increasing existing service.
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