In a clear sign that travel in Asia is roaring back to life, aviation data provider OAG has revealed that seven of the world’s 10 busiest international airline routes this year are in the Asia-Pacific region. The resurgence comes after years of travel disruptions caused by the pandemic, underscoring the region’s growing dominance in the global aviation sector. Meanwhile, two other top routes connect the Middle East, and one long-time favorite spans the Atlantic.
Travel Comeback in Numbers
To determine the busiest international and domestic flight routes, OAG analyzed scheduled airline seat data from January to December 2024. The results highlight round-trip flights, showcasing which corridors have seen the most significant demand.
John Grant, chief analyst at OAG, explained, “With the Asia-Pacific region very close to a full recovery, the busiest routes are concentrated in the familiar major hubs of Hong Kong, Seoul Incheon, and Singapore.”
The standout performer? The Hong Kong-to-Taipei route, claiming the title of the world’s busiest international flight route for 2024. This two-hour journey accounts for an astonishing 6.8 million available seats. It’s a return to form for the route, which last held the top spot in 2019.
A Closer Look at the Top Routes
Here’s how the rest of the top 10 busiest international routes stack up:
- Hong Kong (HKG) – Taipei (TPE): 6.8 million seats
- Cairo (CAI) – Jeddah (JED): 5.47 million seats, a 62% increase since 2019
- Seoul (ICN) – Tokyo Narita (NRT): 5.4 million seats, up 69% from pre-pandemic levels
- Kuala Lumpur (KUL) – Singapore (SIN): 5.38 million seats
- Seoul (ICN) – Osaka Kansai (KIX): 4.98 million seats
- Dubai (DXB) – Riyadh (RUH): 4.3 million seats
- Bangkok (BKK) – Hong Kong (HKG): 4.2 million seats
- Jakarta (CGK) – Singapore (SIN): 4.07 million seats
- Bangkok (BKK) – Singapore (SIN): 4.03 million seats
- New York JFK (JFK) – London Heathrow (LHR): 4.01 million seats
What’s Behind the Trends?
A closer analysis of the data reveals two key themes:
- Asia-Pacific’s Revival: The dominance of Asia-Pacific routes points to the region’s rapid recovery from pandemic-related restrictions. Routes connecting major hubs like Hong Kong, Seoul, and Singapore are benefiting from a surge in both business and leisure travelers.
- Middle East’s Growth: Two routes—Cairo to Jeddah and Dubai to Riyadh—showcase the Middle East’s burgeoning aviation markets. According to Grant, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 project is driving both business and leisure demand. However, it’s not just corporate flyers fueling the numbers; the Cairo-Jeddah route, in particular, reflects a significant volume of leisure travelers.
Leisure Over Corporate Travel
One of the standout takeaways from OAG’s report is the continued dominance of leisure travel over corporate trips. This trend is evident in the data: while traditional business travel hubs like New York and London feature on the list, the majority of high-traffic routes cater to holidaymakers.
The Transatlantic Outlier
The New York JFK-to-London Heathrow route—a perennial favorite—is the only transatlantic journey to make the cut. With 4 million scheduled seats this year, it’s a 5% increase compared to 2019. This route remains popular for both business and leisure, highlighting its unique position in global air travel.
What Does This Mean for Travelers?
The data paints a picture of where travelers are heading in 2024, whether for work or pleasure. If you’re planning a trip, there’s a good chance you might find yourself on one of these high-demand routes.
As Asia-Pacific reclaims its role as a global aviation leader, it’s clear that the skies over the region are busier than ever. Whether jetting between Hong Kong and Taipei, exploring the Middle East, or crossing the Atlantic, the world’s top flight routes reflect a dynamic and ever-evolving travel landscape.
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