Worldwide airline network evolution between 2000 and 2023: A systematic analysis of hubs, hub links, allocations, and direct links

O’Kelly, Morton, Xiaoqian Sun and Sebastian Wandelt

Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 2026, vol. 203, issue C

Abstract: This study examines the evolution and structural patterns of hub networks within global air transportation systems from 2000 to 2023. By analyzing key network metrics - such as the number of hubs, hub link density, the number of allocation links per spoke, and direct links bypassing hubs - this research uncovers trends and shifts in airline network configurations over time. The analysis is based on a comprehensive, worldwide air transport dataset spanning over two decades, offering a robust foundation for identifying changes in network design and operational strategies. Full-Service Carriers (FSCs) and Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs) expanded their hubs–especially in North-East Asia–while Regional/Commuter carriers reduced theirs, presenting new logistical and financial challenges. The distinction between FSCs and LCCs has blurred, with both adopting hybrid strategies–FSCs unbundling services and LCCs incorporating premium features–driven by market demands and competitive pressures, ultimately intensifying competition and benefiting consumers. Additionally, the rise of direct links, particularly among LCCs in Western Europe and South-East Asia, reflects a shift toward efficiency and passenger-centric travel, necessitating adaptive infrastructure and sustainable practices to balance profitability and environmental considerations. Finally, our study is the first to provide empirical fits for the magnitude of network elements versus airline type and the size of the network. Finally, this study presents the first empirical quantification of network element magnitudes relative to airline type and network size, offering novel insights into the structural dynamics of global airline operations.

Keywords: Airlines; Network; Hub-and-spoke; Evolution (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965856425003775
Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:transa:v:203:y:2026:i:c:s0965856425003775

Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from
http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/supportfaq.cws_home/regional
https://shop.elsevie ... _01_ooc_1&version=01

DOI: 10.1016/j.tra.2025.104744

Access Statistics for this article

Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice is currently edited by John (J.M.) Rose

More articles in Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice from Elsevier
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Catherine Liu ().