NEW YORK — CheapOair, a global online travel agency, says airline expansion, technology adoption and shifting consumer behavior will shape air travel in 2026, as global capacity growth supports increased international demand.
Thomas Spagnola, senior vice president of partner relationships at CheapOair, said the company expects continued growth in travel activity next year as airlines add routes and travelers seek new destinations.
“Airlines are expanding international capacity, travelers are looking for new experiences, and technology is making trip planning more efficient,” Spagnola said.
Global Airline Capacity Expands
Airline networks are continuing to expand worldwide, increasing international connectivity ahead of 2026. According to the International Air Transport Association’s Global Outlook for Air Transport, global airline capacity is projected to rise by about 5% next year.
Asia-Pacific is expected to see the strongest growth at 7% to 8%, followed by the Middle East at 9% and Latin America at 6% to 7%. Europe is projected to grow by approximately 4%, while North America is expected to increase by about 1%. Capacity in Africa is forecast to remain largely flat.
AI Influences Trip Planning
CheapOair points to industry research indicating that technology will continue to play a larger role in how travelers plan trips. According to Accenture’s Consumer Pulse survey, artificial intelligence–based tools are expected to influence more than half of travel bookings, helping users research destinations, build itineraries and compare prices.
CheapOair says these tools are increasingly embedded in airline and travel-platform booking systems, changing how travelers search for and evaluate travel options.
Secondary Airports Gain Attention
Cost considerations are also shaping airport choice, according to CheapOair’s analysis. The company says some travelers are opting for secondary airports instead of major hubs to reduce fares and avoid congestion.
Examples include flying into London Gatwick rather than Heathrow or choosing Orange County instead of Los Angeles International. CheapOair notes that these alternatives can also create opportunities for additional regional travel.
Booking Windows Lengthen
Booking behavior continues to shift toward digital platforms, according to industry data. IATA’s 2025 Global Travel Survey indicates that more than half of travelers now prefer mobile apps and integrated digital tools when booking flights.
Data from Google Flights shows booking windows extending, with domestic flights commonly purchased about six weeks in advance and international trips booked seven weeks or more ahead of departure. CheapOair says these trends suggest travelers are planning further in advance and relying more heavily on technology-driven tools.
Customization Drives Ancillary Growth
Airlines are also expanding ancillary offerings, which CheapOair attributes to demand for more flexible and customizable travel options. These offerings increasingly include bundled packages for seat selection, baggage, Wi-Fi access and airport lounge entry, as well as services such as in-cabin pet travel.
CheapOair says these options allow travelers to tailor flights based on individual preferences and budgets.
Destinations Showing Increased Demand
CheapOair’s booking data points to rising interest in a mix of international and domestic destinations. International locations cited by the company include Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Phu Quoc, Vietnam; and Hobart, Australia.
Within the United States, CheapOair says cities such as Atlanta, Los Angeles, Denver, Orlando, Seattle and Boston are seeing increased demand tied to expanded airline capacity and major scheduled events, including concerts, film festivals and large sporting competitions.
Outlook for 2026 Travel
Taken together, CheapOair says these trends indicate that travel in 2026 will be shaped not only by destination choice, but also by how travelers plan, book and customize their journeys amid broader shifts in airline capacity, technology adoption and consumer preferences.