Air travel in 2024 is soaring to new heights, with several key international routes leading the charge. According to the latest OAG report, these routes have recorded record-breaking seat capacities, reflecting the resurgence of global connectivity and the evolving dynamics of passenger demand. From short-haul regional links to iconic long-haul connections, routes such as Hong Kong-Taipei, Cairo-Jeddah, Seoul-Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur-Singapore, and Dubai-Riyadh are not only bridging cities but also shaping the future of the global travel sector.
This report dives into the world’s busiest flight routes, highlighting their performance, growth trends, and their critical role in powering the aviation industry’s revival. Powered by comprehensive OAG Global Airline Schedules Data, this analysis underscores the routes driving the aviation sector’s resurgence in a post-pandemic world.
Top 10 Busiest International Routes of 2024: A Closer Look
Hong Kong-Taipei (HKG-TPE)
- Seats in 2024: 6,781,577
- Rank in 2019: 1 | Rank in 2023: 3
- Variance (2019 to 2024): -15% | Variance (2023 to 2024): +48%
The Hong Kong-Taipei route reclaims its title as the world’s busiest, with nearly 6.8 million seats scheduled in 2024. The route has seen a significant 48% growth compared to 2023, driven by the post-pandemic resurgence of air travel in Asia-Pacific. While capacity remains 15% below 2019 levels, it highlights strong demand for short-haul regional travel, particularly between these two major economic and cultural hubs. This connection continues to play a critical role in Asia-Pacific’s aviation landscape, linking two of the region’s most dynamic cities.
Cairo-Jeddah (CAI-JED)
- Seats in 2024: 5,469,274
- Rank in 2019: 14 | Rank in 2023: 2
- Variance (2019 to 2024): +62% | Variance (2023 to 2024): +14%
Cairo-Jeddah has surged to second place globally, with over 5.46 million seats in 2024. The route’s exceptional 62% growth from 2019 underscores the increasing significance of the Middle East as a vital region for global aviation. Religious travel, especially pilgrimages to Mecca, remains a major driver of demand, alongside growing business and trade relations between Egypt and Saudi Arabia. With a 14% increase over 2023, this route showcases the rising importance of regional connections within the Middle East.
Seoul-Tokyo (ICN-NRT)
- Seats in 2024: 5,410,456
- Rank in 2019: 16 | Rank in 2023: 5
- Variance (2019 to 2024): +68% | Variance (2023 to 2024): +30%
The Seoul-Tokyo route has transformed into a powerhouse connection in Northeast Asia, ranking third with over 5.41 million seats in 2024. It has grown an impressive 68% since 2019 and 30% over the last year. This route links two major economies and serves both leisure and business travelers, reflecting growing cultural and economic exchanges between South Korea and Japan. The surge in demand underscores the revival of intra-Asia travel, which has been a driving force behind the region’s aviation recovery.
Kuala Lumpur-Singapore (KUL-SIN)
- Seats in 2024: 5,382,163
- Rank in 2019: 2 | Rank in 2023: 1
- Variance (2019 to 2024): -3% | Variance (2023 to 2024): +10%
Although Kuala Lumpur-Singapore slipped from the top spot in 2023 to fourth place in 2024, it remains a cornerstone of Southeast Asia’s air travel network. With 5.38 million seats, the route has grown 10% compared to last year, reflecting steady demand from business commuters and leisure travelers. Capacity remains only 3% below 2019 levels, emphasizing its enduring importance as a high-traffic corridor linking two of the region’s most dynamic cities.
Seoul-Osaka (ICN-KIX)
- Seats in 2024: 4,982,769
- Rank in 2019: 12 | Rank in 2023: 4
- Variance (2019 to 2024): +45% | Variance (2023 to 2024): +18%
Seoul-Osaka ranks fifth with nearly 5 million seats, making it one of the fastest-growing routes in Northeast Asia. With a 45% increase in capacity compared to 2019 and an 18% rise over 2023, the route underscores the growing importance of regional air connectivity. This connection facilitates cultural exchanges and economic collaboration between South Korea and Japan, catering to both leisure and business travelers.
Dubai-Riyadh (DXB-RUH)
- Seats in 2024: 4,306,599
- Rank in 2019: 19 | Rank in 2023: 6
- Variance (2019 to 2024): +37% | Variance (2023 to 2024): +8%
Dubai-Riyadh has firmly established itself as one of the Gulf region’s busiest routes, with over 4.3 million seats in 2024. The route has grown by 37% since 2019 and 8% compared to last year, reflecting its importance for trade, business, and cultural exchanges between Saudi Arabia and the UAE. This growth mirrors the increasing prominence of the Gulf region as a key player in global aviation.
Bangkok-Hong Kong (BKK-HKG)
- Seats in 2024: 4,201,802
- Rank in 2019: 11 | Rank in 2023: 7
- Variance (2019 to 2024): -13% | Variance (2023 to 2024): +29%
The Bangkok-Hong Kong route climbed to seventh place in 2024, with over 4.2 million seats recorded. While still 13% below 2019 levels, this route has grown by 29% compared to 2023, driven by recovering tourism and increasing demand for leisure travel in Southeast Asia. It remains a vital connection for travelers seeking access to two of Asia’s most visited cities.
Jakarta-Singapore (CGK-SIN)
- Seats in 2024: 4,069,071
- Rank in 2019: 7 | Rank in 2023: 11
- Variance (2019 to 2024): -26% | Variance (2023 to 2024): +4%
Jakarta-Singapore remains a critical route in Southeast Asia, connecting Indonesia’s bustling capital with Singapore, a major financial and trade hub. With over 4 million seats in 2024, this route has grown by 4% compared to 2023, but it remains 26% below 2019 levels. This slower recovery reflects lingering economic and travel constraints in the region. However, as business and leisure travel continue to recover, this route’s importance for regional trade and tourism cannot be overstated.
Bangkok-Singapore (BKK-SIN)
- Seats in 2024: 4,033,344
- Rank in 2019: 9 | Rank in 2023: 9
- Variance (2019 to 2024): +5% | Variance (2023 to 2024): +16%
Bangkok-Singapore remains one of the most stable and significant routes in Southeast Asia, holding its ninth-place ranking from 2019 and 2023. In 2024, the route recorded just over 4 million seats, reflecting a 16% increase compared to 2023 and a 5% growth over 2019 levels. This route serves as a vital connection for both business travelers and tourists, linking two of the region’s most dynamic and visited cities. Its consistent performance highlights its role as a key corridor for regional connectivity and economic exchange.
New York-London (JFK-LHR)
- Seats in 2024: 4,011,235
- Rank in 2019: 8 | Rank in 2023: 8
- Variance (2019 to 2024): +5% | Variance (2023 to 2024): +3%
The iconic New York-London route continues to be one of the most significant transatlantic connections, recording just over 4 million seats in 2024. This route shows steady growth, with a 3% increase compared to 2023 and 5% growth over 2019 levels. As a major link between two global financial hubs, this route consistently attracts both business and leisure travelers. Its enduring popularity reflects the stability of transatlantic travel demand, cementing its place as a cornerstone of global aviation.
Top 10 busiest global flight routes in 2024:
| Route | 2024 Seats (in millions) | Change from 2023 (%) | Change from 2019 (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong-Taipei (HKG-TPE) | 6.8 | 48 | -15 |
| Cairo-Jeddah (CAI-JED) | 5.5 | 14 | 62 |
| Seoul-Tokyo (ICN-NRT) | 5.4 | 30 | 68 |
| Kuala Lumpur-Singapore (KUL-SIN) | 5.4 | 10 | -3 |
| Dubai-Riyadh (DXB-RUH) | 4.3 | 8 | 37 |
| Bangkok-Hong Kong (BKK-HKG) | 4.2 | 29 | -13 |
| Jakarta-Singapore (CGK-SIN) | 4.1 | 4 | -26 |
| Bangkok-Singapore (BKK-SIN) | 4.03 | 16 | 5 |
| Seoul-Osaka (ICN-KIX) | 4.98 | 18 | 45 |
| New York-London (JFK-LHR) | 4.0 | 3 | 5 |
Driving Global Travel in 2024
- Asia-Pacific: Dominating the rankings, seven of the top 10 busiest routes originate in Asia, highlighting the region’s booming air travel market.
- Middle East: Routes like Cairo-Jeddah and Dubai-Riyadh underline the Gulf’s rising significance in global aviation.
- Transatlantic Stability: New York-London remains a vital corridor, showcasing the resilience of long-haul travel demand.
These routes are more than just travel corridors; they are the lifelines of global connectivity, driving tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. The record-breaking traffic in 2024 reflects the aviation sector’s resilience and its pivotal role in shaping a connected world.
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