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In this installment we review what are the air markets smallest commercial in the world, where despite the limited connectivity, Transportation is key for their communities. Foto Roadgrip
Commercial aviation is a globalized sector that connects people and places around the world.. Nevertheless, there are many aviation markets that are relatively small, with limited seating capacity. These markets often receive little attention, but they are equally important for global connectivity.
We always talk about busiest airports, of the most important markets or routes, but there are other little-known segments that deserve to be disseminated.
Smallest airline markets in the world
OAG, an aviation industry analysis company, has published a list of 10 smallest aviation markets in the world. Listing is based on scheduled seating capacity 2023.
The 10 smallest aviation markets in the world are:
| Position | Country | 2019 | Seating capacity (2023) |
| 1 | Montserrat, Leeward Islands |
7,779 |
2,555 |
| 2 | st. Helen, United Kingdom |
9,810 |
5,962 |
| 3 | Falkland Islands |
10,212 |
8,730 |
| 4 | Tuvalu |
12,532 |
10,540 |
| 5 | Niue |
17,436 |
11,290 |
| 6 | Ukraine |
14,828,696 |
11,325 |
| 7 | Cocos Islands | 17,046 | 17,178 |
| 8 | Saint Pierre and Miquelon | 22,350 | 17,873 |
| 9 | Christmas Island | 18,612 | 27,030 |
| 10 | Samoa Americana | 33,360 | 33,916 |
OAG list shows that the world's smallest aviation markets are mainly located on remote islands or in countries with small populations, with the clear exception of Ukraine, that given the current conflict has fallen on this list having gone from more than 14 million seats annually 11.325 seats during 2023.
In the case of Montserrat, The island's small size and isolated geographic location contribute to its low seating capacity. W airport. H. Bramble is the only airport on the island and offers flights to Antigua, Puerto Rico and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
The geographical isolation of some of these markets means that there are limited alternative forms of transport.. From time to time, a cruise passes through Saint Helena and the Falklands, for instance, and Montserrat has a seasonal ferry service to Antigua, but in many places the length of the sectors to the main airports is extreme, as shown in the following table.
In the case of Saint Helena, St. Helena Airport is the only airport on the island and offers flights to Cape Town, South Africa. The island is an overseas dependency of the United Kingdom and is located about 1.600 kilometers of the African coast.
The other markets on the list are also characterized by their small seating capacity. Robert L. International Airport. Bradshaw from St. Kitts and Nevis offers flights to Antigua, Puerto Rico and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Providenciales International Airport in the Turks and Caicos Islands offers flights to the United States, Canada and the Caribbean among others.
There are also other small connectivity points such as the Saba Island Airport or connectivity to remote points in the Caribe that are offered from St Martin for instance.
Importance of small markets
Despite its small seating capacity, The world's smallest aviation markets are equally important for global connectivity. These markets provide essential links for travelers living in remote areas or traveling to popular tourist destinations..
Small markets are also important for airlines. These markets can be profitable for airlines that operate small aircraft or offer charter flights..
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