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The world's airlines are set to operate only 1% more flights this month than during July 2007, according to the latest figures from the Official Airline Guide (OAG).

There is set to be an additional 34,800 flights this month compared to a year ago, according to the statistics, while capacity is up 3% year-on-year.

Global travellers will be provided with 318.3m seats on 2.64m flights worldwide this month.

Both the Europe and Asia-Pacific regions have seen growth in activity in July this year, with intra-continental flights in both of these regions showing a 3% increase in frequency.

While the overall number of flights has risen year-on-year, the OAG said that the slower rate of growth is representative of the current economic climate.

Chief operating officer Steve Casley said: 'The OAG figures for July reveal signs of an impending downturn in the aviation industry.

'While some regions continue to show steady growth, the impact from the current climate in the United States is already contributing to an overall slowdown in the global figures and on the key long-haul routes between North America and hubs in Europe, Asia Pacific and Latin America.'

One of the most active destinations in global aviation at the current time, according to the OAG, is India, with a year-on-year increase of 34% in flight frequencies this month.

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