The world’s biggest airlines depend on the measure. By revenue, Delta Air Lines leads, followed by United and American. By passengers carried, American Airlines is largest; by fleet size, United is. US carriers dominate every list. The global airline industry now tops $1 trillion in annual revenue.
The biggest airlines by revenue (2026)
“Biggest” has no single answer, so this ranking uses revenue, the cleanest way to compare airlines in one currency. On that basis the three large US network carriers lead the world, each earning far more than any European or Asian rival.
| Rank | Airline | Country | Revenue (USD bn) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delta Air Lines | United States | ~63 |
| 2 | United Airlines | United States | ~59 |
| 3 | American Airlines | United States | ~54 |
| 4 | Lufthansa Group | Germany | ~44 |
| 5 | IAG (BA, Iberia) | UK / Spain | ~38 |
| 6 | Air France-KLM | France / Netherlands | ~36 |
| 7 | Emirates | UAE | ~35 |
| 8 | Southwest Airlines | United States | ~27.5 |
| 9 | China Southern | China | ~24.5 |
| 10 | Air China | China | ~23.4 |
Revenue for FY2024/2025; European and Gulf carriers report in euros or dirhams, so USD figures are approximate.
Biggest by passengers and fleet
Change the metric and the leader changes. By passengers carried, American Airlines is the world’s largest, flying about 225 million people in 2024, with Delta second. Europe’s low-cost giant Ryanair is third globally by passengers despite not ranking in the revenue top ten. By fleet size, United leads with roughly 1,090 aircraft, ahead of American (~1,013) and Delta (~989).
Key takeaways
- By revenue, Delta is the biggest airline (~$63bn), ahead of United and American.
- American carries the most passengers (~225 million in 2024); United has the largest fleet.
- US carriers hold the top three revenue spots; Lufthansa leads Europe.
- The global airline industry topped $1 trillion in revenue in 2025 (IATA).
How big is the airline industry?
Commercial aviation is now a trillion-dollar business. Global airline revenue reached about $1.008 trillion in 2025, the first time it has passed the $1 trillion mark, and carriers fly around 5 billion passengers a year (IATA). Demand continues to grow, with the industry expecting further records in 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest airline in the world?
It depends on the measure. Delta is largest by revenue (~$63 billion), American Airlines carries the most passengers (~225 million a year), and United operates the biggest fleet (~1,090 aircraft). All three are US carriers.
Which airline carries the most passengers?
American Airlines Group carried about 225 million passengers in 2024, the most of any airline, narrowly ahead of Delta. Europe’s Ryanair is third worldwide, the largest by passengers outside the United States.
How big is the global airline industry?
The airline industry generated about $1.008 trillion in revenue in 2025, its first trillion-dollar year, carrying roughly 5 billion passengers (IATA). It is one of the largest single sectors of the global economy.
Sources
- IATA, Airline industry outlook (December 2025) — retrieved 2026-07-04 — iata.org
- Largest airlines in the world (carrier annual reports) — retrieved 2026-07-04 — wikipedia.org
Last updated: July 4, 2026
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