The 10 Busiest International Flight Routes in 2024

Air traffic has rebounded significantly since the pandemic, with airlines globally seeing increasing passenger volumes. According to the 2025 World Air Routes Directory, some routes have surged in popularity, especially in Asia, where pandemic restrictions were lifted last. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 busiest international flight routes in 2024, with new developments and shifting trends.

1. Hong Kong International (HKG) – Taipei Taoyuan International (TPE) – 6,781,577 seats
For the first time since 2019, the route between Hong Kong and Taipei has reclaimed its position as the busiest in the world. This route experienced a remarkable 48% growth in 2024, although it still remains 15% below pre-pandemic levels. With 35 flights daily and a range of service options, from budget carriers to luxury flights, the connection remains busy, driven by strong economic ties and cultural connections.

2. Cairo International (CAI) – King Abdulaziz International (JED) – 5,469,274 seats
Maintaining its spot in second place, the Cairo to Jeddah route sees robust demand, particularly due to religious pilgrimage and migrant worker travel. The route has grown 14% since 2023 and 62% since 2019, with airlines like Saudia and EgyptAir offering frequent services, including widebodies like the Airbus A330.

3. Seoul Incheon (ICN) – Tokyo Narita (NRT) – 5,410,456 seats
This route has grown by 30% from 2023 and an impressive 68% from 2019. The normalization of relations between South Korea and Japan, coupled with strong tourism demand, has made this one of the busiest international routes. A mix of low-cost carriers and full-service airlines offer a wide range of options, including widebody jets like the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350.

4. Kuala Lumpur International (KUL) – Singapore Changi (SIN) – 5,382,163 seats
While this 185-mile route used to hold the top spot in previous years, it has slipped to 4th place despite a 10% growth since last year. The short flight remains a key connection in Southeast Asia, with carriers like AirAsia and Singapore Airlines serving the route multiple times daily. Although the route is under 1 hour, widebody aircraft like the A350 are still used by some airlines.

5. Seoul Incheon (ICN) – Kansai International (KIX) – 4,982,769 seats
This route between Incheon and Osaka has seen a 45% increase in available seats since 2019, reflecting a strong demand for both leisure and business travel. The presence of multiple low-cost and full-service carriers, including Korean Air and Asiana, ensures a variety of flight options.

6. Dubai International (DXB) – King Khalid International (RUH) – 4,306,599 seats
The Dubai to Riyadh route remains in 6th place, with an impressive 37% growth since 2019. Offering a mix of low-cost and full-service carriers like Flyadeal, Emirates, and Saudia, this route provides fast access between two major economic hubs. Emirates offers widebody flights, including the Boeing 777 and occasionally the A380, making it a standout option.

7. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) – Hong Kong International (HKG) – 4,201,802 seats
This competitive route has grown 29% from 2023 but is still 13% down compared to pre-pandemic levels. With 24 daily departures and a range of airlines, including Emirates and Ethiopian Airlines operating widebody jets like the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787-9, the route remains one of the busiest in Asia.

8. Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta (CGK) – Singapore Changi (SIN) – 4,069,071 seats
The Jakarta to Singapore route has seen steady growth in 2024, though it remains 26% below pre-pandemic levels. With a combination of low-cost and full-service airlines, such as Garuda Indonesia and Singapore Airlines, this route continues to be key for business and leisure travel between Indonesia and Singapore.

9. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) – Singapore Changi (SIN) – 4,033,344 seats
Up 16% from last year, the Bangkok to Singapore route continues to perform strongly, exceeding pre-pandemic traffic by 5%. With multiple low-cost carriers like AirAsia and Thai Airways operating the route, ticket prices are competitive, and the route offers quick access between two major Southeast Asian hubs.

10. New York JFK (JFK) – London Heathrow (LHR) – 4,011,235 seats
The New York to London route remains one of the busiest transatlantic services, with a 3% growth since 2023 and a 5% increase since 2019. This route is crucial for business travelers, with premium-heavy configurations on airlines like British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and American Airlines, making it the longest route in the top 10 at 3,442 miles.

These top 10 busiest international flight routes in 2024 demonstrate the ongoing recovery of global air travel, with certain regions like Asia seeing remarkable growth as airlines ramp up capacity. As travel demand continues to increase, these routes will likely remain key players in the international aviation landscape.

Related News : https://airguide.info/?s=Airlines