OAG data reveals Kuala Lumpur-Singapore the busiest route in the world

Graphic of the 10 busiest routes in the world.
Image Credit: OAG Data

OAG, a leading data platform for the global travel industry, has recently unveiled its report on the “2023 Busiest Routes in the World.”

This comprehensive analysis, fueled by OAG’s Global Airline Schedules Data, not only offers insights into international travel but also delves into domestic travel trends

The Reign of Asia-Pacific: Dominating Global Routes


Once again, Asia-Pacific has asserted its dominance, claiming an impressive seven out of the top ten global international routes.

These bustling airways witness a constant ebb and flow of passengers, making them pivotal players in the aviation arena. Let’s zoom in on the details of these high-traffic routes that keep the skies abuzz.

Graphic of the 10 busiest routes in the world.
Image Credit: OAG Data

Kuala Lumpur to Singapore Changi


Seizing the crown as the busiest global international route is the journey from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Singapore Changi (SIN), boasting a staggering 4.9 million seats.

This air corridor stands as a testament to the bustling connectivity between these two Southeast Asian hubs, facilitating both business and leisure travel.

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Singapore Changi Experiences 78% Increase in Movements
Photo Credit: Singapore Changi Airport.

Cairo to Jeddah


Claiming the second spot on the list is the route from Cairo (CAI) to Jeddah (JED) with an impressive 4.8 million seats, a notable increase from the 2019 figures of 3.4 million seats.

This surge underscores the growing importance of air travel in the Middle East, connecting these two significant cities seamlessly.

View of exterior Terminal 3 at Cairo International Airport
Cairo Airport. Alensha, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Global Airports


London Heathrow’s Presence

While exploring the bustling hubs of the world, London Heathrow (LHR) emerges as the fourth busiest global airport in 2023, welcoming a staggering 49,370,859 seats.

In a league of its own, London Heathrow remains a crucial pivot for global air travel, contributing significantly to the interconnected web of international routes.

Heathrow Terminal 5.
Photo Credit: Heathrow Airport.

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport

Taking the top spot as the busiest global airport is Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL), followed closely by Dubai International Airport (DXB) at second place.

These airports serve as gateways to diverse destinations, embodying the essence of seamless air travel on a global scale.

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Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport

Domestic Skies: From Beijing to Honolulu


Shifting our focus to domestic routes, Beijing (PEK) to Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) takes the lead as the busiest domestic route in China.

Simultaneously, in the United States, the Honolulu (HNL) to Kahului (OGG) route claims the top spot, showcasing the vibrancy of domestic air travel in these regions.

Asia’s Ever-Popular Routes


John Grant, chief analyst at OAG, sheds light on the findings, emphasizing Asia’s continued dominance in the global travel arena. “Asia continues to have the busiest routes in the world due to its popularity as a tourism hotspot,” remarks Grant.

Despite not reaching 2019 capacity levels, London Heathrow stands resilient as a pivotal hub for global air travel.

A full copy of the OAG Report is accessible here.

About OAG


OAG is the leading data platform for the global travel industry, powering the growth and innovation of the air travel ecosystem since 1929.

It has the largest and most established independent network of flight schedules and flight status data in the world. Headquartered in the UK, OAG has operations in the USA, Singapore, Japan, China, and Lithuania.

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By Len Varley - Assistant Editor 4 Min Read
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