Third anniversary of 9/11 Shows Worldwide Flight Levels Have Caught Up, Says OAG

Worldwide flight levels break even with 2001 for the first time since the attacks Chicago

The third anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks shows a steady recovery of flight schedules and seat capacity, according to figures published today by OAG, the world’s leading source of independent flight schedule information.

OAG compared worldwide flight schedule frequency against 2001 levels, and the data showed the following results:

For the first time since the attacks, worldwide flight levels are even with 2001. In addition, worldwide seat capacity is up 3%. Washington Dulles International, New York JFK and Chicago Midway are operating at levels above September 11, 2001. “Worldwide flight frequency is once again even with 2001 levels, which suggests an increased confidence, both in the carriers who’ve made decisions not to reduce flights, as well as the consumers who continue to fly,” said Joe Laughlin, OAG vice president of sales and service.

OAG also compared flight schedule frequency for the 2004 anniversary of the attacks against September 11, 2003. Highlights include: Worldwide flight schedules for the day were up 7% from 2003. In addition, seat capacity for these flights has increased. U.S. domestic flights are up 12% over last year, and seat capacity increased by 13%.

Individual U.S. airports are showing considerable recovery compared to 2003— Atlanta Hartsfield International, La Guardia, Oakland International, Cincinnati, Chicago O’Hare International, and Fort Lauderdale. Although OAG data indicates that carriers have decreased U.S. domestic flights by 5% (approximately 1,600 flights) from September 11, 2001*, this figure is still up 12% from 2003 flight levels.

*(Because September 11, 2004 falls on a Saturday, OAG pulled 2004 data from Tuesday, September 7 to provide a more accurate, weekday-to-weekday comparison.)