US Passenger & Cargo Airlines Hit 1M+ Workers, Brace for 2026 Travel Peaks

The US Bureau of Transportation Statistics has reported a strong increase in airline employment for November 2025, signaling a momentum in the aviation sector. Total employment across US passenger and cargo airlines rose to 1,071,385 workers, an increase of 21,839 jobs, or two percent, compared with October 2025.

The workforce includes a wide range of roles such as pilots, flight attendants, ground handlers, maintenance staff, customer service agents, and operational support personnel.

Passenger airlines show steady gains

Scheduled passenger airlines accounted for 551,878 employees, representing roughly 52 percent of total airline employment, with carriers adding 1,708 jobs during the month.

Among major airlines, American Airlines led hiring with 703 new employees, followed by Delta Air Lines with 382 and Southwest Airlines with 292, reflecting ongoing efforts to support capacity growth and operational reliability.

Cargo hiring driven by restructuring

Cargo airlines made up the remaining 48 percent of industry employment and recorded a much larger month-over-month increase, adding 20,210 workers.

This surge was largely driven by FedEx, which expanded its workforce following internal corporate restructuring. The data highlights the continued strength of air cargo, supported by sustained eCommerce demand and global supply chain activity.

Airlines prepare for higher demand

The November employment gains point to a strengthening aviation sector after slower hiring earlier in 2025. Both passenger and cargo airlines appear to be building staffing levels ahead of anticipated demand in 2026, including peak travel periods such as spring break and the summer season.

Additional staffing can help airlines improve on-time performance, baggage handling, and customer service, all of which remain key performance areas for both leisure and business travelers.

Inbound tourism remains under pressure

Despite rising airline employment, inbound travel to the US continues to weaken. The National Travel and Tourism Office reported that international visitation declined again in December 2025, marking the ninth consecutive month of year-over-year declines. Arrivals by non-US citizens fell to 5.3 million, down 2.9 percent compared with December 2024.

Photo by Lorenzo Renga on Unsplash