Asia is home to some of the world’s busiest and fastest-growing aviation markets, with numerous routes connecting major cities and hubs in the region. These routes handle immense passenger traffic due to strong business ties, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
Among them, the route between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Singapore Changi (SIN) stands out as the busiest, with thousands of flights offered every month. This article examines the top 10 busiest international routes in Asia based on monthly flight frequency, seating capacity, and the airlines operating on these key regional routes.
1. Kuala Lumpur (KUL) – Singapore Changi (SIN)
- Number of Monthly Flights: 2,296
- Total Monthly Seats Offered: 440,350
- Total ASMs: 81,024,400
- Major Carriers: Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Singapore Airlines, Scoot
With around 2,300 monthly flights, the route between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore is the busiest international route in Asia. The high frequency on this route is driven by strong business ties between the two countries, along with a thriving tourism sector.
This route is operated by a mix of premium full-service carriers like Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines, as well as low-cost carriers like AirAsia and Scoot, making it accessible to all types of travelers.
2. Hong Kong (HKG) – Taipei (TPE)
- Number of Monthly Flights: 2,222
- Total Monthly Seats Offered: 568,082
- Total ASMs: 284,609,082
- Major Carriers: Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, EVA Air
Ranking second, the Hong Kong-Taipei route is an important connection between two major financial hubs. Its importance lies in strong business travel demand and family ties.
Full-service airlines such as Cathay Pacific and EVA Air dominate this route, offering a mix of economy, premium economy, and business class options to cater to diverse passenger needs.
3. Seoul Incheon (ICN) – Tokyo Narita (NRT)
- Number of Monthly Flights: 1,956
- Total Monthly Seats Offered: 440,452
- Total ASMs: 345,314,368
- Major Carriers: Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan Airlines
The route between Seoul and Tokyo connects two economic powerhouses in East Asia. A popular choice for both business and leisure travelers, it also benefits from the appeal of Japan and South Korea as tourism hotspots.
A large of these flights are operated by widebody aircraft, ensuring high flexibility and convenience.
4. Osaka Kansai (KIX) – Seoul Incheon (ICN)
- Number of Monthly Flights: 1,880
- Total Monthly Seats Offered: 423,640
- Total ASMs: 227,071,040
- Major Carriers: Korean Air, Jeju Air, Peach Aviation
This route is a testament to the thriving tourism links between Japan and South Korea. Low-cost carriers like Jeju Air and Peach Aviation provide affordable options for travelers on this route, alongside full-service airlines like Korean Air.
5. Jakarta (CGK) – Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
- Number of Monthly Flights: 1,691
- Total Monthly Seats Offered: 298,784
- Total ASMs: 208,850,016
- Major Carriers: Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Batik Air
The Jakarta-Kuala Lumpur route serves as a key connection between Indonesia and Malaysia. Business travelers dominate this corridor, although tourism also plays a significant role. Similar to other routes, airlines on this route offer a variety of choices, from premium to budget-friendly options.
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6. Singapore Changi (SIN) – Jakarta (CGK)
- Number of Monthly Flights: 1,613
- Total Monthly Seats Offered: 326,440
- Total ASMs: 178,236,240
- Major Carriers: Singapore Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Scoot
Singapore and Jakarta share deep economic ties, making this route one of the busiest in the region. Airlines like Singapore Airlines and Garuda Indonesia mainly serve both business and leisure travelers, while low-cost carriers like Scoot cater to leisure passengers.
7. Fukuoka (FUK) – Seoul Incheon (ICN)
- Number of Monthly Flights: 1,426
- Total Monthly Seats Offered: 313,768
- Total ASMs: 109,818,800
- Major Carriers: Korean Air, T’way Air, Jeju Air
The Fukuoka-Seoul route is a favorite for tourists seeking quick getaways between Japan and South Korea. The route’s frequency is driven by low-cost airlines like Jeju Air and T’way Air, along with legacy flag carriers.
8. Hong Kong (HKG) – Bangkok (BKK)
- Number of Monthly Flights: 1,275
- Total Monthly Seats Offered: 313,046
- Total ASMs: 328,072,208
- Major Carriers: Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways, Hong Kong Airlines
The Hong Kong-Bangkok route is one of Asia’s busiest tourist corridors. Cathay Pacific and Thai Airways dominate this route, while Hong Kong Airlines caters to more budget-conscious travelers.
9. Bangkok (BKK) – Singapore Changi (SIN)
- Number of Monthly Flights: 1,212
- Total Monthly Seats Offered: 335,528
- Total ASMs: 294,258,056
- Major Carriers: Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, Scoot
The Bangkok-Singapore route benefits from strong tourist demand between the two countries.
10. Denpasar Bali (DPS) – Singapore Changi (SIN)
- Number of Monthly Flights: 1,098
- Total Monthly Seats Offered: 276,762
- Total ASMs: 287,002,194
- Major Carriers: Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Garuda Indonesia
Denpasar Bali is a premier tourist destination, and Singapore serves as a key transit hub in Asia. This route is heavily reliant on leisure travelers.
Conclusion and Key Findings
The Top 10 busiest international routes in Asia highlight the region’s thriving economic and tourism activities. The dominance of routes connecting major hubs like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Seoul reflects strong business ties and passenger demand.
Notably, low-cost carriers play a significant role in many routes, making air travel accessible to a wider audience.
Other Notable Routes
While the top 10 routes are based on flight frequency, several other routes also see a significant influx of passengers. The Osaka Kansai (KIX) – Taipei (TPE) and Hong Kong (HKG) – Shanghai Pudong (PVG) routes are some of them, with over 1,000 flights each.
Additionally, the Tokyo Narita (NRT) – Hong Kong (HKG) and Seoul Incheon (ICN) – Hong Kong (HKG) routes are some of the busiest routes for tourism and business in the region.
Feature Image by Clément Alloing | Flickr
All data sourced from Cirium.
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