Total Registered Airlines Worldwide Breakdown

The total number of registered airlines globally varies based on the criteria used (e.g., operational status, regulatory recognition). Here’s a breakdown based on the available data:

1. ICAO-Registered Airlines:
   There are over 5,000 airlines globally assigned International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) codes. This includes both active and defunct carriers .
2. Currently Operating Airlines:
   As of July 2025, 706 airlines are actively operating worldwide, according to airline schedule data from OAG (Official Airline Guide). This figure represents carriers with active flight operations .
3. IATA Membership:
   The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has 360 airline members from over 120 countries. These are typically major commercial airlines that meet IATA’s operational and safety standards, representing approximately 82% of global air traffic .

Key Differences Explained:

• The ICAO’s 5,000+ includes all airlines ever issued a unique airline designator code, including cargo, charter, and defunct airlines.
• The 706 actively operating airlines (OAG) reflect carriers with scheduled services as of mid-2025.
• IATA’s 360 members are a subset of active airlines that adhere to additional industry standards and participate in IATA programs (e.g., safety audits, financial systems) .

For comprehensive lists, refer to:

• ICAO-based airline directories
• IATA’s current member list
• OAG’s capacity statistics .