As global aviation continues its post-pandemic recovery, certain flight routes are experiencing unprecedented demand. New data reveals the busiest domestic and international air routes for August 2025, highlighting shifting travel patterns across key markets.
Top 10 Busiest Domestic Routes Worldwide
The Jeju International Airport (CJU) to Seoul Gimpo (GMP) route in South Korea maintains its position as the world's busiest domestic corridor, offering 1.23 million seats in August 2025—a 2% increase from 2024.
Japan claims two spots in the top three, with Sapporo New Chitose (CTS) to Tokyo Haneda (HND) at 1.05 million seats and Fukuoka (FUK) to Tokyo Haneda (HND) with 969,000 seats. Both routes show steady growth compared to previous years.
Saudi Arabia's Jeddah (JED) to Riyadh (RUH) route demonstrates the most dramatic growth among top performers, surging 21% year-over-year with an additional 154,473 seats. Conversely, Vietnam's Hanoi (HAN) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) route saw declining demand, while China's Beijing (PEK) to Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) route dropped 8% in capacity, falling to ninth position.
China's Domestic Aviation Landscape
China's domestic market shows contrasting trends, with Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) to Shenzhen (SZX) emerging as the nation's busiest route at 627,371 seats—an 8% increase. The traditionally strong Beijing (PEK) to Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) corridor declined by the same percentage to 595,619 seats.
Guangzhou's Baiyun Airport (CAN) demonstrates its strategic importance, with its route to Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) ranking third (537,668 seats) and Guangzhou appearing in four of the top ten domestic routes. The Chengdu (CTU) to Shenzhen (SZX) route shows remarkable 16% growth, entering the top ten for the first time.
U.S. Market Shifts
In the United States, the New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX) transcontinental route unexpectedly claimed the top position with 301,870 seats (9% growth), followed closely by New York LaGuardia (LGA) to Chicago O'Hare (ORD) at 293,650 seats.
Several major U.S. routes face challenges, particularly the Honolulu (HNL) to Kahului (OGG) inter-island Hawaiian route, which suffered a 12% capacity reduction compared to 2024 levels.
International Route Leaders
The Hong Kong (HKG) to Taipei (TPE) corridor remains the world's busiest international route with 581,751 seats, maintaining stability from previous years. Singapore (SIN) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) follows in second place despite a 3% capacity decrease.
Notable growth appears in the Middle East and Asia-Pacific regions. The Cairo (CAI) to Jeddah (JED) route ranks third, while Osaka Kansai (KIX) to Shanghai Pudong (PVG) demonstrates extraordinary 57% seat growth, reflecting strong regional demand.
Asia-Pacific routes dominate international rankings, accounting for seven of the top ten global international corridors—a testament to the region's continued aviation market expansion.