10 Best Airlines ETFs to Buy in 2025

Investing in airline stocks can be a strategic move as the travel industry continues to recover and expand. ETFs offer a diversified and cost-effective way to gain exposure to this sector. This guide highlights the top 10 airline ETFs based on year-to-date performance. The table below includes key details such as ETF names, ticker symbols, assets under management (AUM), asset class, and performance metrics. Additionally, an interactive price performance chart allows you to compare how these ETFs stack up against each other.

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ETF NameTickerExpense RatioAUMAsset Class52w Low/High30 Days1 MonthYTD3 YearALL Years
Themes Airlines ETFAIRL0.00 %$0.8MEquity 11.99 %10.53 %10.39 %3.25 %
U.S. Global Jets ETFJETS0.01 %$736MEquity 15.53 %-1.42 %13.26 %0.79 %
Defiance Hotel Airline and Cruise ETFCRUZEquity 0.64 %-17.22 %7.47 %-9.40 %
MAX Airlines -3X Inverse Leveraged ETNsJETDEquity -30.27 %-39.53 %-44.83 %

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Price Performance Chart

ETF Details

AIRL - Themes Airlines ETF

Inception: 2023-12-07Themes ETF

The U.S. Global Jets ETF (AIRL) provides investors with exposure to the global airline industry, including major U.S. and international airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and airport operators. The fund seeks to track the performance of the U.S. Global Jets Index, which is designed to measure the performance of companies in the airline industry. AIRL offers a focused investment approach to the aviation sector, which can be influenced by factors such as fuel prices, passenger demand, and global economic conditions. The ETF is suitable for investors looking to gain targeted exposure to the airline industry without having to pick individual stocks.

JETS - U.S. Global Jets ETF

Inception: 2015-04-30US Global Investors

The U.S. Global Jets ETF (JETS) is an exchange-traded fund that provides investors with exposure to the global airline industry. The fund seeks to track the performance of the U.S. Global Jets Index, which is composed of U.S. and international airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and airport operators. JETS offers a focused investment in the aviation sector, including major passenger airlines, cargo carriers, and related companies. The ETF is designed for investors looking to capitalize on trends in air travel demand, fuel prices, and global economic growth. With holdings in both domestic and international airlines, JETS provides diversified exposure to the industry.

CRUZ - Defiance Hotel Airline and Cruise ETF

Defiance ETFs

The Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF (CRUZ) is an exchange-traded fund that provides targeted exposure to companies in the hotel, airline, and cruise industries. The fund seeks to track the performance of the BlueStar Global Hotels, Airlines, and Cruises Index, which includes global companies engaged in these sectors. CRUZ offers investors a way to capitalize on the recovery and growth potential of the travel and leisure industry, particularly as global travel demand rebounds. The ETF is designed for those looking to invest in a niche segment of the consumer discretionary sector with a focus on companies that benefit from increased travel and tourism activity.

JETD - MAX Airlines -3X Inverse Leveraged ETNs

BMO Financial Group

JETD is an ETF that focuses on the global aviation and aerospace industry, providing investors with exposure to companies involved in aircraft manufacturing, airlines, aerospace defense, and related services. The fund aims to capture growth in air travel demand, technological advancements in aviation, and defense spending. JETD typically invests in a diversified portfolio of large-cap and mid-cap companies across developed and emerging markets, offering a broad representation of the aviation sector. The ETF is designed for investors seeking targeted exposure to the dynamic and cyclical aviation industry, which is influenced by factors such as fuel prices, geopolitical stability, and economic growth.