Busiest Airline Routes in 2024: The Top International and Domestic Paths

As the travel industry continues to rebound post-pandemic, the latest data from OAG, a leading travel intelligence firm, reveals the busiest airline routes of 2024. From the popular international connections to bustling domestic paths in the U.S., these routes are where passengers are flying the most this year.

Top International Routes in 2024 According to OAG’s analysis, the most popular international route for 2024 was Hong Kong (HKG) to Taipei (TPE), with a remarkable 6.78 million seats available. This 1 hour, 45-minute flight tops the charts, showing a 48% increase in passenger capacity compared to 2023, although it's still 15% below pre-pandemic levels.

Following closely, Cairo (CAI) to Jeddah (JED) ranks second, with 5.47 million seats, while Seoul Incheon (ICN) to Tokyo Narita (NRT) took third place with 5.41 million seats. Other notable international routes include Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Singapore Changi (SIN), and Seoul Incheon (ICN) to Osaka Kansai (KIX).

Interestingly, the New York (JFK) to London Heathrow (LHR) route made the top 10, with 4.01 million seats, despite being the eighth most popular route in 2019.

Most Popular Domestic U.S. Routes In the United States, Atlanta (ATL) to Orlando (MCO) tops the list as the busiest domestic route in 2024, offering 3.47 million seats. This route is closely followed by Honolulu (HNL) to Kahului (OGG), with 3.37 million seats, a route often taken for island-hopping within Hawaii.

Other popular U.S. domestic routes include the busy Las Vegas (LAS) to Los Angeles (LAX) path, which saw 3.35 million seats available, and Denver (DEN) to Phoenix (PHX) with 3.21 million seats. The classic Los Angeles (LAX) to San Francisco (SFO) route also remained a staple, offering 3.16 million seats in 2024.

Why These Routes Are So Popular The surge in passenger demand, particularly for short-haul flights and popular vacation destinations, has shaped these rankings. The Asia-Pacific region has experienced a post-pandemic recovery, with routes like Hong Kong to Taipei and Seoul to Tokyo benefitting from increased connectivity. Meanwhile, U.S. domestic routes like those to Orlando and Las Vegas continue to be strong as travelers return to their favorite holiday destinations.

As airlines continue to cater to both long and short-haul travel, it’s clear that these routes are key to the aviation industry’s recovery. Whether for business or leisure, these routes are where the majority of global travelers are heading in 2024.

Aeromexico Named World's Best for On-Time Arrivals in 2024

In 2024, Aeromexico ranked as the top airline globally for on-time arrivals, with 87% of its flights arriving within 15 minutes of their scheduled time, according to the Cirium report. Saudia followed in second place at 86%, while Delta Air Lines took third place with 83%, despite challenges from a summer technology outage.

In the Asia Pacific region, Japan Airlines led with 80.9% on-time arrivals, followed by ANA and Singapore Airlines. Qantas was the only Australian airline in the global top 10, with 73.9% of its flights arriving on time.

Other top airlines include LATAM Airlines, Qatar Airways, Azul, Avianca, Iberia, and United Airlines. King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, was the most on-time airport, with 87% of flights departing on time.

This ranking highlights the resilience and operational excellence of these carriers and airports, despite the challenges faced by the aviation industry in 2024.

South Korean Police Ban Jeju Air CEO from Leaving Country Amid Deadly Flight 2216 Investigation

South Korean authorities have placed a travel ban on Jeju Air's chief executive, Kim E-bae, as part of an ongoing investigation into the tragic crash of Jeju Air Flight 2216. The crash, which occurred on Sunday, claimed the lives of 179 of the 181 people on board, making it the deadliest air disaster in South Korea's history.

Police have stepped up their efforts to uncover the cause of the disaster, with aviation authorities intensifying their probe. In a statement released on Thursday, the police vowed to "swiftly and rigorously determine the cause and responsibility" for the devastating accident. This move reflects the gravity of the situation and the urgency with which the investigation is being conducted.

China Eastern Airlines Launches C919 Aircraft on Shanghai-Hong Kong Route

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comac_C919

China Eastern Airlines has officially begun operating the domestically produced C919 aircraft on its scheduled flights between Shanghai and Hong Kong. The historic flight MU721 took off from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport on Wednesday at 08:21, carrying 157 passengers, marking the first time the C919 has been used on this route.

This milestone also makes China Eastern Airlines the first carrier to offer scheduled commercial flights to Hong Kong with the C919. The airline plans to operate daily round-trip flights, highlighting China's growing capabilities in the aviation industry. The C919, developed by COMAC, is expected to strengthen China's position in the global commercial aviation market.

Tragic Plane Crash in South Korea: 179 Identified, Investigation Underway

The recent plane crash in South Korea has left 179 people dead, and the identities of the victims have now been confirmed through DNA samples taken from their families. The painful process of identification was necessary as the bodies were unrecognizable due to the severity of the crash. Families were taken to the wreckage site, where the sight of the destruction deepened their grief. Many prayed at the site, while others visited a memorial corner set up at the airport in honor of those lost.

The tragic incident occurred when a Boeing 737-800, carrying 181 passengers, attempted an emergency landing after a bird strike caused an issue with its landing gear. The plane skidded off the runway, crashed into a concrete wall, and erupted in flames. Only two survivors, both from the crew, are currently receiving hospital treatment.

Investigations into the cause of the crash continue, with inspectors from the United States providing assistance. One of the plane's black boxes, which recorded cockpit sounds, will be sent to the US for further analysis, though retrieving data from the second black box may prove more challenging. The investigation is focused on determining the precise cause of the crash, as funeral procedures for the victims are being expedited.

Air India Introduces Complimentary In-Flight Wi-Fi on Domestic Routes

Air India has made a groundbreaking move by introducing complimentary Wi-Fi internet connectivity on its Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9, and select Airbus A321neo aircraft. With this innovation, the airline has become the first to offer in-flight Wi-Fi on domestic routes within India, marking a significant milestone in passenger experience.

Easy to Connect with Multiple Devices
Passengers can now enjoy uninterrupted internet access throughout their flight, allowing them to browse social media, complete work, or stay connected with loved ones. The Wi-Fi service, available for use on laptops, tablets, and smartphones running iOS and Android, will be activated once the aircraft reaches an altitude of 10,000 feet. What's more, the service allows passengers to connect multiple devices simultaneously, enhancing convenience.

Success of the Pilot Application Transferred to Domestic Lines
This new service on domestic routes is an extension of Air India's successful pilot program tested on international flights, including routes to New York, London, Paris, and Singapore. With the success of the program, the Wi-Fi service is being offered free of charge during the introductory period, with plans to expand the service to more aircraft in the fleet soon.

Air India Emphasizes Passenger Satisfaction
Rajesh Dogra, Director of Customer Experience at Air India, shared his excitement about the new service, saying, “Connectivity is an integral part of today’s travel. We are confident that our guests will appreciate the option to connect to the internet and will be delighted with the new Air India experience.” This new addition reflects the airline's commitment to improving passenger satisfaction and staying ahead in the competitive aviation industry.

Devastating Plane Crash at South Korea's Muan Airport: What Happened and Why

A tragic aviation incident unfolded at South Korea's Muan Airport, claiming the lives of 151 people. The accident involved a passenger plane carrying 175 passengers and 6 flight attendants, which skidded off the runway during landing and crashed into a wall. The incident has left the nation in mourning and raised urgent questions about aviation safety.

What Happened?

The ill-fated flight was a Jeju Air passenger plane arriving from Bangkok, Thailand. As it attempted to land at Muan Airport, the aircraft lost control, veered off the runway, and collided with the airport’s perimeter fence.

Fire crews responding to the scene reported that the plane hit the wall with significant force, leading to a catastrophic loss of life. Emergency teams worked tirelessly, but despite their efforts, 151 passengers tragically lost their lives, while others were critically injured.

What Caused the Crash?

Initial investigations suggest two potential contributing factors:

1. Bird Strike Warning

Before the crash, the South Korean Ministry of Transportation had sent a warning to the plane’s crew about a possible bird strike in the vicinity. Bird strikes are a common hazard for aircraft, particularly during takeoff and landing, and can cause engine failure or structural damage.

2. Landing Complications

According to reports, the plane lost control during the landing phase, which is one of the most critical moments in flight operations. It is not yet clear whether the bird strike warning directly influenced the pilot’s decisions or if other technical issues played a role.

What’s Next?

Authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the accident to determine the exact cause. Experts will analyze black box data, weather conditions, and maintenance records of the aircraft.

This tragic event highlights the need for enhanced safety measures, including better bird-strike prevention systems and rigorous pilot training for emergency scenarios.

As the investigation continues, families of the victims and survivors are left to grapple with the devastating loss. The aviation community worldwide will be watching closely for lessons to be learned to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Tragic Plane Crash at South Korea’s Muan Airport Claims 151 Lives

In a devastating aviation accident at South Korea's Muan Airport, a passenger plane carrying 175 passengers and 6 flight attendants skidded off the runway and crashed into a wall. The death toll has tragically risen to 151, according to local authorities.

The South Korean Ministry of Transportation revealed that a warning about a potential bird strike had been sent to the plane before the incident. Despite this alert, the plane—identified as a Jeju Air flight originating from Bangkok, Thailand—lost control during landing. It veered off the runway and collided with the airport's perimeter fence, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.

Emergency services worked tirelessly at the crash site, but the scale of the tragedy has left the nation in shock. This incident underscores the critical challenges in ensuring safety during aircraft landings, particularly in the face of unforeseen hazards like bird strikes.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the crash.