Southeast Asia is one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, with domestic air travel booming due to rising populations, economic growth, and increasing disposable incomes. Countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines dominate the list of busiest domestic air routes, reflecting strong demand for travel between major cities.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the top 10 busiest domestic air routes in Southeast Asia, ranked by total seat capacity.
1. Hanoi (HAN) – Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)
- Total Seats: 933,692
- Major Carriers: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways
The Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City route is the busiest domestic air route in Southeast Asia, serving nearly one million passengers monthly. This route connects Vietnam’s capital with its largest economic hub, making it crucial for both business and leisure travel.
Notably, there has been an 8% increase in seat capacity compared to January 2024, highlighting the rising demand for air travel between these two cities.
2. Jakarta (CGK) – Denpasar, Bali (DPS)
- Total Seats: 551,535
- Major Carriers: Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Batik Air
The Jakarta to Bali route ranks second due to Bali’s immense popularity as a tourist destination. Travelers from Indonesia’s capital frequently visit Bali’s stunning beaches, cultural sites, and vibrant nightlife.
The high demand for this route is fueled by both domestic and international tourists, as well as business travelers attending conferences and events on the island.
3. Jakarta (CGK) – Makassar (UPG)
- Total Seats: 549,241
- Major Carriers: Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Citilink
This route is a vital connection between Jakarta, Indonesia’s political and economic center, and Makassar, the largest city in Sulawesi. The high passenger volume on this route underscores Makassar’s importance as a business and cultural hub.
4. Cebu (CEB) – Manila (MNL)
- Total Seats: 467,993
- Major Carriers: Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia Philippines
The Cebu to Manila route is the busiest domestic route in the Philippines. It connects Manila, the capital, with Cebu, a key tourism and business hub.
Capacity on this route has grown by 15% compared to the previous year, reflecting increasing economic activity and rising demand for both business and leisure travel.
5. Jakarta (CGK) – Surabaya (SUB)
- Total Seats: 375,044
- Major Carriers: Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Citilink
Surabaya is Indonesia’s second-largest city and a major industrial center. The Jakarta to Surabaya route is essential for business travelers, as both cities serve as key economic hubs.
6. Da Nang (DAD) – Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)
- Total Seats: 372,887
- Major Carriers: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways
Da Nang has become one of Vietnam’s fastest-growing tourist destinations. The 15% increase in seat capacity on this route reflects the city’s growing popularity, both as a vacation spot and an emerging economic center.
7. Chiang Mai (CNX) – Don Mueang (DMK)
- Total Seats: 357,942
- Major Carriers: Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air
This route is Thailand’s busiest domestic air route, connecting Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of northern Thailand, with Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok.
The demand for flights is driven by tourism, business travel, and local residents traveling to Bangkok.
8. Jakarta (CGK) – Medan Kuala Namu (KNO)
- Total Seats: 335,604
- Major Carriers: Lion Air, Batik Air, Garuda Indonesia
Medan is the largest city in northern Sumatra, and this route plays a crucial role in connecting businesses and travelers.
However, seat capacity has declined by 17% compared to last year, possibly due to economic changes or airline strategy shifts.
9. Surabaya (SUB) – Makassar (UPG)
- Total Seats: 330,413
- Major Carriers: Lion Air, Citilink, Garuda Indonesia
Surabaya and Makassar are two of Indonesia’s most important commercial cities. The strong demand for flights between these two locations highlights their role in business, trade, and tourism.
10. Bangkok (BKK) – Phuket (HKT)
- Total Seats: 304,414
- Major Carriers: Thai Airways, Thai VietJet Air, Bangkok Airways
Bangkok to Phuket is Thailand’s second busiest domestic route, connecting the capital with one of Asia’s top island destinations. Phuket’s popularity among international and local tourists ensures high passenger traffic year-round.
Why Domestic Air Travel Is Booming in Southeast Asia
The rapid growth of domestic air travel in Southeast Asia is driven by several factors:
✅ Economic Growth – Expanding economies create higher demand for business and leisure travel.
✅ Urbanization – More people are moving to cities, increasing the need for air transport.
✅ Rising Middle Class – More people can afford to fly, thanks to higher disposable incomes.
✅ Low-Cost Airlines – Budget carriers like VietJet Air, Lion Air, and AirAsia make flying more accessible.
✅ Tourism Growth – Cities like Bali, Da Nang, and Phuket continue to attract millions of visitors.
As Southeast Asia’s aviation sector continues to expand, these routes will remain critical for economic growth and connectivity. Investments in airport infrastructure and airline fleets will further enhance air travel in the region.
