In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 busiest international routes, where bustling airports, an array of airlines, and a constant flow of passengers paint a picture of global connectivity.
*Note that these routes are ranked based on August’s seat capacity.
1: Hong Kong (HKG) – Taipei (TPE)
Total Seat Capacity in August 2023: 426,170 seats
Number of Average Daily Flights: Up to 27 Flights
Major Airlines: Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, China Airlines
Claiming the top spot is the route between Hong Kong’s bustling Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and the vibrant Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE). With an astounding total seat capacity of 426,170 seats and an average of 27 daily flights, this route connects the two major Asian hubs.
2. Cairo (CAI) – Jeddah (JED)
Total Seat Capacity in August 2023: 415,639 seats
Number of Daily Flights: Up to 27 Flights
Major Airlines: SAUDIA, Egypt Air, flynas
In the second spot is the route between the ancient city of Cairo, Egypt (CAI), and the gateway to Mecca, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (JED). With a capacity of 415,639 seats and up to 27 daily flights, this route is a vital connection for religious pilgrims and business travellers alike.
3. Kuala Lumpur (KUL) – Singapore Changi (SIN)
Total Seat Capacity in August 2023: 408,316seats
Number of Daily Flights: Up to 39 Flights
Major Airlines: Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, AirAsia, Scoot
Connecting the capitals of Malaysia and Singapore with a total seat capacity of 408,316 seats and up to 39 daily flights, this route between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore Changi serves as a bridge between two Southeast Asian powerhouses.
4. Seoul Incheon (ICN) – Tokyo Narita (NRT)
Total Seat Capacity in August 2023: 364,659 seats
Number of Daily Flights: Up to 24 Flights
Major Airlines: Korean Airlines, Jeju Air, Asiana Airlines
Number four on our list is the route from Seoul’s Incheon International Airport (ICN) to Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT). With 364,659 seats available and up to 24 daily flights, it is well-served by Korean Airlines, Jeju Air, and Asiana Airlines, among others.
5. Seoul Incheon (ICN) – Osaka Kansai (KIX)
Total Seat Capacity in August 2023: 361,156 seats
Number of Daily Flights: Up to 32 Flights
Major Airlines: Korean Airlines, Jeju Air, Asiana Airlines
Staying in South Korea, the route between Incheon International Airport (ICN) and Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX) in Japan takes the fifth spot. Boasting 361,156 available seats and up to 32 daily flights, it is a popular choice for travellers.
6. Jakarta (CGK) – Singapore Changi (SIN)
Total Seat Capacity in August 2023: 360,220 seats
Number of Daily Flights: Up to 27 Flights
Major Airlines: Garuda Indonesia, Singapore Airlines, AirAsia, Batik Air
Connecting Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta (CGK), and Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), this route is a vital link between two Southeast Asian neighbours. With 360,220 seats and up to 27 daily flights, passengers can choose from a handful of carriers.
7. New York (JFK) – London Heathrow (LHR)
Total Seat Capacity in August 2023: 358,900 seats
Number of Daily Flights: Up to 23 Flights
Major Airlines: British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, American Airlines, Delta Airlines
Crossing continents, the route from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) ranks seventh. With a capacity of 358,900 seats and up to 23 daily flights, it remains a popular choice for transatlantic travellers.
8. Dubai (DXB) – Riyadh (RUH)
Total Seat Capacity in August 2023: 352,314 seats
Number of Daily Flights: Up to 26 Flights
Major Airlines: Emirates, SAUDIA, flynas, flydubai
In the eighth spot is the connection between the glamorous Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH). With 352,314 seats available and up to 26 daily flights, it is a crucial route for both business and leisure.
9. Bangkok (BKK) – Singapore Changi (SIN)
Total Seat Capacity in August 2023: 303,532 seats
Number of Daily Flights: Up to 20 Flights
Major Airlines: Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Scoot
Linking two Southeast Asian cities, the route between Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) takes the ninth spot. With 303,532 seats and up to 20 daily flights, travellers have an array of options, including Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, and Scoot.
10. Bangkok (BKK) – Hong Kong (HKG)
Total Seat Capacity in August 2023: 300,504 seats
Number of Daily Flights: Up to 16 Flights
Major Airlines: Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways, Hong Kong Airlines
Rounding off our top 10 list is the route between Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) with 300,504 seats offered in August and up to 16 daily flights.
How many of these routes have you flown to date? Let us know in the comments below: