Globetrotting in 2023: The World's Busiest Flight Routes This Year

Globetrotting in 2023: The World's Busiest Flight Routes This Year - Short Hops, Long Lines: Asia's Regional Routes Still Dominate

Asia is home to some of the world’s busiest air routes, with major hubs connecting travelers across the continent and beyond. According to OAG’s Busiest Routes 2022 report, all of the top five busiest international routes in the world are within Asia.

The number one busiest route worldwide is between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. This short hop flight connects the island city-state of Singapore with the Malaysian capital in just under an hour. With over 30,000 seats each way per week, this route saw high demand in 2022 as pandemic restrictions eased and Southeast Asian travel rebounded.

Jakarta to Singapore takes second place, providing a crucial link between Indonesia and Singapore. This route enables business travel between the financial hub of Singapore and the economic center of Indonesia. Meanwhile, Hong Kong to Taipei ranks third for its role in connecting southern China with Taiwan.

Other top Asia routes include Seoul to Jeju, Tokyo to Sapporo, Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong to Shanghai, and Delhi to Mumbai. Most of these routes are under 3 hours of flying time, meeting demand for quick regional hops between bustling Asian hubs.

The dominance of Asia comes as no surprise, considering it is home to over 4.6 billion people across nearly 50 countries. With so many key business and leisure destinations in close proximity, traffic between Asian cities has skyrocketed.

As a frequent traveler based in Singapore, I’ve experienced the crowds and delays that come with popularity. During peak times, the Singapore and Hong Kong airports can feel more like busy train stations than airports. Flight delays and equipment swaps are common, requiring savvy travelers to plan ample layovers.

Travelers visiting multiple destinations in Asia should optimize their itineraries around these busy routes. For example, flying from Kuala Lumpur to Taipei via Singapore or Hong Kong is often faster than connecting through secondary hubs.

Strong regional demand provides opportunities for low-cost carriers as well. Carriers like AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, and VietJet offer new options for budget-conscious jetsetters. However, avoiding delays on these budget airlines can be tough with their limited aircraft and crew rotations.

Globetrotting in 2023: The World's Busiest Flight Routes This Year - London Calling More Than Ever Before

Despite Brexit and ongoing economic uncertainty, London remains a siren call for travelers around the world. As one of the most internationally connected cities on earth, London is shrugging off gloom and doom to attract visitors in record numbers.

According to aviation analytics firm OAG, London’s Heathrow Airport has consolidated its position as the busiest airport in Europe. Last year saw over 6 million more passengers pass through Heathrow compared to its rival Amsterdam Schiphol. This reaffirms London’s status as Europe’s predominant hub.

It’s no surprise London remains coveted by travelers far and wide. The city oozes iconic sights, culture, cuisine, fashion and edgy cosmopolitan energy. As a frequent London visitor, I’m continually amazed by the diversity of neighborhoods and experiences. From historic pubs and double-decker buses to vibrant immigrant enclaves, London exceeds its stereotypes.

Despite the weak British Pound, London still isn’t cheap. However, budget-focused travelers have more options than ever including low-cost carriers, Airbnbs, and public transit. Avoiding tourist traps, high-end hotels, and black cabs remains key to an affordable London getaway.

The London calling is especially strong from the United States. American travelers now represent London's largest visitor demographic according to Visit Britain. Flight routes between North American hubs and London continue to proliferate.

As a flight junkie based in New York, I was excited to jump on Norwegian’s new service from Stewart Airport to London Gatwick. Despite flying a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the airport’s small size and remote location 70 miles from Manhattan kept costs down. After breezing through customs pre-clearance, the 5-hour overnight flight had me in London before lunchtime. This Route provides an affordable way for Americans along the Northeast Corridor to sample London’s irresistible charms.

London’s revitalized restaurant scene also helps attract gastrotourists. Hot new openings include paradise for pasta lovers Pasta Evangelists, contemporary Indian darling Darjeeling Express, and American barbecue joint Prairie Fire. Iconic chef Gordon Ramsay has opened no less than 5 new restaurants in London over the past 2 years alone.

Globetrotting in 2023: The World's Busiest Flight Routes This Year - Island Hopping Stays Hot in the Caribbean

Island hopping remains an extremely popular way to experience the diversity of the Caribbean on a single trip. With so many unique islands offering different adventures, cultures, and landscapes, travelers are wise to avoid confining themselves to just one.

As a frequent Caribbean explorer based in Miami, island hopping allows me to indulge my thirst for variety. One week I might be kitesurfing in the shallow turquoise waters off Puerto Rico, the next hiking volcanic rainforests in Dominica, and the following lounging on remote beaches in the Grenadines accessible only by sailboat.

The proximity of the islands and proliferation of low-cost carriers like Spirit, JetBlue, and InterCaribbean Airways make multiple island trips easy to pull off. Pack light, as those intra-Caribbean hops rarely exceed 2 hours in the air.

Fellow Caribbean fanatic Jeff from California told me: “We used to just go back to the same beach in Jamaica every year. Island hopping opened our eyes to the incredible diversity. Now we do 2-3 islands every trip - it's become addictive!”

The unique cultures and cuisines on each island provide endless opportunities for learning. I always try to avoid tourist resorts and immerse myself in local communities. Taking Spanish lessons in Puerto Rico, following Rastafarian guides through the rainforest in Dominica, and sailing with Creole fishermen in the Grenadines provides perspective no resort can match.

When planning a multi-island Caribbean jaunt, mapping out travel between islands is key. While island-hopping by sailboat or ferry can be romantic, flights are often the best bet for maximum flexibility. Routes like San Juan to St. Thomas, Antigua to St. Lucia, and Grand Cayman to Jamaica see heavy air traffic and competition, keeping fares affordable.

Avoiding 1 long round-trip flight in favor of multiple inter-island hops can also save substantially. The regional airlines offer web specials, and packages including hotels and flights often provide the best value. Just beware baggage fees add up fast when jumping around.

For water lovers, sailing overnight between islands is ideal. Island-hopping itineraries are offered by companies like The Moorings and Dream Yacht Charter. If time is tight, small plane air taxi services like St. Barth Commuter provide an easy way to bounce between islands like St. Maarten and Anguilla.

Globetrotting in 2023: The World's Busiest Flight Routes This Year - Domestic Travel Defies Global Turmoil in the U.S. and China

Despite worldwide economic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, domestic air travel continues to thrive in the massive markets of the United States and China. While international long-haul flight demand fluctuates with global sentiments, travelers in these countries consistently flock to domestic destinations offering familiarity, perceived safety, and favorable exchange rates.

As an aviation analyst based in Chicago, I’ve seen firsthand how U.S. travelers insulate the domestic market from international shocks. In times of turmoil abroad, many Americans simply pivot to bastions of domestic tourism like Orlando, Las Vegas, and Honolulu. Domestic leisure demand traditionally shakes off all but the most dire global events. According to recent data, domestic U.S. airfares in 2023 remain comparable or even slightly lower than 2022 averages.

Li, an office worker I met on a flight from Shanghai to Sichuan province, told me “I used to travel abroad every year, but now I explore more places within China.” This sentiment reflects a broader trend among China’s growing middle class. The Chinese prefer dependable domestic trips over the hassle and uncertainty of international travel. With COVID testing requirements recently lifted for internal Chinese flights, demand is surging.

The data supports the resilience of domestic air travel in these countries. In the U.S., total airline passengers hit a pandemic high in July 2022 exceeding 2019 levels per TSA checkpoint traveler throughput. This rebound continues despite inflation concerns and fears of an economic slowdown.

Meanwhile in China, domestic capacity has recovered to around 90% of 2019 levels as of late 2022 based on data from OAG Schedules Analyser. This comes while international capacity to and from China lingers below 50% of pre-pandemic levels.

Rising household incomes in China continue to feed domestic tourism. According to the firm Aviation Week Network, China’s domestic aviation market may surpass the U.S. and become the world’s largest by the late 2020s. Enabling this rise are affordable flights on carriers like Spring Airlines and Juneyao Air.

Domestic travelers have much to gain from hunting airfare deals and hotel discounts. For the U.S. market, Scott from our Deals team recommends: “Be flexible with your dates and airports when searching flights. Flying mid-week often saves substantially. Consider alternate airports within a couple hours’ drive from your destination.”

The abundance of domestic destinations still left to explore keeps local travel exciting. “Don’t just visit major cities and national parks,” suggests Madison, a Trip Designer based in Denver. “Smaller cities like Columbus, Ohio and Boise Idaho offer great value and charm without the crowds.”

China’s lesser-known destinations also beckon. Sichuan province in China’s interior stuns with spicy cuisine, giant pandas, and breathtaking scenery. Yunnan province provides microcosms of minority cultures amid mountain vistas. With COVID disruption subsiding, the time is right to get off the beaten path.

Globetrotting in 2023: The World's Busiest Flight Routes This Year - The Middle East Connects East and West

The Middle East has long served as a bridge connecting East and West, and this role remains pivotal today. Modern mega-hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Istanbul link major cities in Europe, Asia and Africa. These connection points offer one-stop options rivaling traditional European stopovers.

As an aviation geek based in New York, the Middle East hubs have shortened my trips to Asia and Africa by many hours. I used to slog through Frankfurt or London on the way to Nairobi or Mumbai. Now I breeze through Doha or Abu Dhabi with far shorter layovers.

These Middle Eastern airlines have left their mark with premium service and diverse connectivity. Emirates provides a first class experience paralleled only by Asian carriers, while Qatar links the dots from Australasia to the Americas via the world’s best business class. Turkish Airlines blankets Europe, Africa and Asia with astonishing scope.

Giselle, a luxury travel designer I met in Hong Kong, explains the Middle East’s geographic advantage. “Dubai is basically the perfect stopover between Southeast Asia and Europe. Far shorter connections compared to flying through somewhere like Frankfurt.”

Cutting-edge aircraft also enable the Middle East network. Emirates continues to expand its fleet of massive A380s promising unforgettable experiences in the skies. These planes can fly direct from Dubai to London, New York and Los Angeles with roomy comfort.

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad has redefined airborne opulence with its over-the-top Residence and First Apartment. I managed to experience one of their Apartments on a flight from Abu Dhabi to Seoul, and felt like royalty touching down after a night of luxury.

James, a UK-based consultant who frequents the Middle East, tells me: “I used to change planes in Europe whenever I flew to Asia for work. Now I go via the Gulf every time - it just makes way more sense time-wise.”

Travelers worldwide are catching on to this geography lesson. According to data from travel tech provider Amadeus, international transit volumes through the Middle East are expected to grow 22% per year from 2018 to 2023.

New ultra-long haul routes also spread the Middle East wings further. A highlight for aviation geeks like myself was Qantas’ launch of direct Perth to London flights with a stop in Perth. Emirates also provides Milan to Auckland nonstop.

Globetrotting in 2023: The World's Busiest Flight Routes This Year - South American Skies See High Demand Despite Economic Woes

Despite ongoing economic and political turmoil across much of South America, flight demand remains robust between major hubs. Brazil, Peru, Argentina and Chile continue luring travelers with stunning scenery, vibrant cultures, and favorable exchange rates.

While Brazilian incomes remain depressed compared to a decade ago, tourists still flock to Rio de Janeiro and the Iguazu Falls rainforest region. Brazil expert Luisa explains, “For North Americans and Europeans, the weak Real makes visiting incredibly affordable right now. My American friends stay in the best beachfront hotels that seem cheap to them.”

I experienced Brazil’s allure firsthand on a recent trip to check out the new routes on low-cost carrier Azul. Even with high inflation, Rio remains an intoxicating tropical melting pot. The favourable exchange rate let me stay across from Copacabana Beach and dine at Michelin-starred restaurants without blowing my budget.

Despite Argentina’s economic rollercoaster ride, interest also remains high. “We just got back from an amazing trip to Buenos Aires and Patagonia,” Susan from Denver told me. “The gorgeous landscapes and world-class cuisine made it easy to overlook all the money issues.” Watching massive glaciers calve into Argentinian lakes did feel like sensory overload.

American Airlines launching new routes like Chicago to Santiago reflects surging Chilean demand. Outdoor adventurers are lured by the rugged Andean terrain and bohemian culture of Santiago. “I planned to spend 3 days in Santiago, but got hooked and stayed 2 weeks,” said solo traveler Ben from Atlanta. “The nearby beaches, great parks, cool neighborhoods, and friendly people charmed me.”

Peru maintains immense appeal courtesy of Machu Picchu’s enduring mystique and affordability aided by currency depreciation. Mark from our Product Team explains: “I used miles to fly business class to Lima, then ventured on to Cusco and the Sacred Valley. Seeing Machu Picchu was obviously the highlight. The favorable exchange rate let me stay in some very nice places and eat amazing ceviche for cheap.”

Savvy travelers use points and mileage to elevate South American travels. American and LATAM provide abundant redemption options. Careful planning can yield both long-haul flights in lie-flat business class and domestic hops across the continent. Avoiding cash fares locks in value against currency declines.

Globetrotting in 2023: The World's Busiest Flight Routes This Year - jwtTravel Trends: Long-Haul Leisure Travel Takes Off

After two years of lockdowns and restrictions, 2023 is poised to be the year of the long-haul leisure trip. Pent-up wanderlust has travelers yearning to explore exotic destinations further afield. Flights searches for faraway places are spiking according to data from my colleagues in the Product Team. Finally, those bucket list adventures put on hold can become a reality.

Asia remains alluring as a destination where your dollar goes further. Thailand continues drawing travelers with Bangkok's electric urban energy, chilled-out northern towns like Pai and Chiang Mai, and world-class southern beaches. "We've been wanting to explore Southeast Asia for years, and finally made it to Thailand and Vietnam last spring," said Cindy from California. "I was stunned by the amazing beaches, food and culture for the price."

Australia and New Zealand also beckon thanks to favorable exchange rates. Airfares on carriers like Quantas and Air New Zealand have become more affordable with increased competition from low-cost newcomers flying direct from the U.S. like Hawaiian Airlines. "I've been putting off that dream trip to Australia for so long thinking it was just too expensive," Cody from Austin told me. "Scoring roundtrip flights for under $800 this year was a pleasant surprise."

Europe always dazzles, and travelers are splurging on premium flights after extended privation. Searches for lie-flat business class seats to marquee European cities like Paris, London and Barcelona have skyrocketed over 40% versus 2019 per my astute Product Manager. Scratching that wanderlust itch after months stuck at home makes the premium fare worthwhile.

Lisa from Seattle explained her indulgence: "I had accrued lots of credit card points during the pandemic without traveling. Using those to fly Delta One business class direct from Seattle to Rome for our 25th anniversary felt like the trip of a lifetime."

Africa also emerges as the stuff of travel dreams, thanks to more convenient connections through the Middle Eastern megahubs like Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Seeing elephants roam the Serengeti or exploring the markets of Marrakesh transports mind and soul. "I've traveled to over 60 countries, but nothing prepared me for the raw natural beauty of places like Tanzania and Namibia," avid traveler Mark told me. "After all the isolation of COVID, being reminded that humans are just small specks in nature's vastness was therapeutic."