In this article, we’ve compiled the Top 10 busiest international routes of 2024 based on seat capacity, flight frequency, and Available Seat Miles (ASMs), providing insights into the dynamic global aviation network.
*Note that these routes are ranked based on total seat capacity. Data is sourced from Cirium.
1: Taipei (TPE) – Hong Kong (HKG)
Total Seat Capacity in 2024: 6,574,383 seats
Number of Flights: 26,402 flights
Total ASMs: 3,293,765,883
Major Airlines: Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, China Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines
Retaining its top spot, the route between Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) continues to be the busiest international route in 2024. Its high seat capacity and flight frequency highlight strong year-round demand, primarily driven by business travelers and tourists.
Airlines offer frequent schedules and competitive fares, making it one of the highly competitive routes in the region.
2: Seoul (ICN) – Tokyo-Narita (NRT)
Total Seat Capacity in 2024: 5,295,404 seats
Number of Flights: 22,673 flights
Total ASMs: 4,151,596,736
Major Airlines: Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Japan Airlines, ANA
Securing the second position, the Seoul-Tokyo Narita corridor offered over 5.29 million seats and 22,673 flights. Serving as a vital link between South Korea and Japan, this route is served by major airlines catering to business travelers and tourists exploring the strong cultural ties between the two countries.
3: Kuala Lumpur (KUL) – Singapore (SIN)
Total Seat Capacity in 2024: 5,259,628 seats
Number of Flights: 27,629 flights
Total ASMs: 967,771,552
Major Airlines: Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, AirAsia, Scoot
Connecting the capitals of Malaysia and Singapore with a total seat capacity of 5,259,628 seats and around 28,000 annual flights, this route between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Singapore Changi (SIN) serves as a bridge between two Southeast Asian powerhouses.
4: Jeddah (JED) – Cairo (CAI)
Total Seat Capacity in 2024: 5,182,049 seats
Number of Flights: 23,000 flights
Total ASMs: 3,917,629,044
Major Airlines: SAUDIA, EgyptAir, flynas
The Jeddah-Cairo route is integral for religious pilgrims, business travelers, and expatriates. With over 5 million seats offered, it remains critical for connecting the Middle East and North Africa, underpinned by robust demand throughout the year.
5: Seoul (ICN) – Osaka-Kansai (KIX)
Total Seat Capacity in 2024: 4,929,414 seats
Number of Flights: 21,824 flights
Total ASMs: 2,642,165,904
Major Airlines: Korean Air, Jeju Air, Peach Aviation, Asiana Airlines
Connecting South Korea and Japan’s vibrant cities, this route supports a mix of business and leisure travelers. High seat capacity and frequent flights make it one of the busiest international routes in the world.
6: Riyadh (RUH) – Dubai (DXB)
Total Seat Capacity in 2024: 4,364,926 seats
Number of Flights: 20,630 flights
Total ASMs: 2,370,154,818
Major Airlines: Emirates, SAUDIA, flynas, flydubai
Ranked sixth, this route connects Saudi Arabia’s capital with the UAE’s leading business hub. With over 4.36 million seats and 20,630 flights offered, this route experiences a significant flow of business and leisure travelers every year.
7: Bangkok (BKK) – Hong Kong (HKG)
Total Seat Capacity in 2024: 3,984,729 seats
Number of Flights: 15,628 flights
Total ASMs: 4,175,995,992
Major Airlines: Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways, Hong Kong Airlines
The Bangkok-Hong Kong route benefits from Bangkok’s position as a major tourist destination and Hong Kong’s role as a financial hub.
8: Singapore (SIN) – Bangkok (BKK)
Total Seat Capacity in 2024: 3,969,641 seats
Number of Flights: 14,363 flights
Total ASMs: 3,481,375,157
Major Airlines: Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Scoot
Singapore-Bangkok continues to be a heavily trafficked route in Southeast Asia. With 3,969,641 annual seats and over 20 daily flights, travelers have an array of options, including Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, and Scoot.
9: London-Heathrow (LHR) – New York-JFK (JFK)
Total Seat Capacity in 2024: 3,951,589 seats
Number of Flights: 15,359 flights
Total ASMs: 13,640,885,228
Major Airlines: British Airways, American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Delta Airlines
Spanning continents, the New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) route secures the ninth spot. Offering close to 4 million annual seats and over 15,000 flights, this route continues to be a top choice for transatlantic travelers.
10: Tokyo-Narita (NRT) – Taipei (TPE)
Total Seat Capacity in 2024: 3,914,759 seats
Number of Flights: 15,003 flights
Total ASMs: 5,308,413,204
Major Airlines: Japan Airlines, China Airlines, ANA, EVA Air
Rounding off our top 10 list is the route between Tokyo-Narita (NRT) and Taipei (TPE) with 3,914,759 seats offered in 2024, reflecting strong demand from both Japanese and Taiwanese travelers. This corridor is popular for business, tourism, and cultural exchange.
| S. No. | Route | Seats | Flights | ASMs (Available Seat Miles) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Taipei - Hong Kong | 6,574,383 | 26,402 | 3,293,765,883 |
| 2 | Seoul - Tokyo-Narita | 5,295,404 | 22,673 | 4,151,596,736 |
| 3 | Kuala Lumpur - Singapore | 5,259,628 | 27,629 | 967,771,552 |
| 4 | Jeddah - Cairo | 5,182,049 | 23,000 | 3,917,629,044 |
| 5 | Seoul - Osaka-Kansai | 4,929,414 | 21,824 | 2,642,165,904 |
| 6 | Riyadh - Dubai | 4,364,926 | 20,630 | 2,370,154,818 |
| 7 | Bangkok - Hong Kong | 3,984,729 | 15,628 | 4,175,995,992 |
| 8 | Singapore - Bangkok | 3,969,641 | 14,363 | 3,481,375,157 |
| 9 | London-Heathrow - New York-JFK | 3,951,589 | 15,359 | 13,640,885,228 |
| 10 | Tokyo-Narita - Taipei | 3,914,759 | 15,003 | 5,308,413,204 |
Sources: CIRIUM Diio, GC Map