Special Report

The World's Busiest Air Routes Right Now

anyaberkut / iStock via Getty Images

In the spring of 2020, many countries closed their borders to non-resident foreign travelers as a result of the worldwide novel coronavirus pandemic. While some of those countries have yet to reopen their borders, others have begun to welcome foreign travelers and tourists.

Using data from the air travel intelligence agency OAG, 24/7 Tempo has compiled the current busiest international flight routes. Flights from the United States and France to destinations in the Caribbean make up half of the busiest routes, especially now that hurricane season is over till June. (These are the most powerful hurricanes of all time.) 

Click here to see the world’s busiest air routes right now.

These results are consistent with one fact: while business travel has stalled, people are still travelling for vacations. Many are taking advantage of low prices and flexible cancellation policies to book cheap travel tickets for upcoming spring and summer vacations.

Many of these destinations require visitors to show proof of a negative COVID test upon arrival. Travelers flying to the United States, including Americans returning to the U.S. from abroad, must first show proof of a recent negative COVID test before they may board their flight. Many states have additional rules of their own. These are the latest travel restrictions in each state.

With no routes in Europe and only one in eastern Asia, the rest of the busiest air travel routes lie between countries in South Asia and the Middle East. The busiest routes are defined as having the largest number of scheduled seats on flights going in both directions between airports. Data is from February of 2021.

Aneese / iStock Editorial via Getty Images

10. Cancún, Mexico – Dallas, United States
> Origin airport: Cancun (CUN)
> Destination airport: Dallas (DFW)
> Total seats sold in Feb 2021: 98,045

[in-text-ad]

CAPTAIN_HOOK / iStock via Getty Images

9. Incheon, South Korea – Narita, Chiba, Japan
> Origin airport: Incheon (ICN)
> Destination airport: Narita, Chiba (NRT)
> Total seats sold in Feb 2021: 100,676

ugurhan / iStock via Getty Images

8. Cairo, Egypt – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
> Origin airport: Cairo (CAI)
> Destination airport: Riyadh (RUH)
> Total seats sold in Feb 2021: 103,922

anyaberkut / iStock via Getty Images

7. Martinique, French West Indies – Paris, France
> Origin airport: Martinique (FDF)
> Destination airport: Paris (ORY)
> Total seats sold in Feb 2021: 104,923

[in-text-ad-2]

Lina Moiseienko / iStock via Getty Images

6. New York, United States – Santiago, Dominican Republic
> Origin airport: New York (JFK)
> Destination airport: Santiago (STI)
> Total seats sold in Feb 2021: 108,876

EvrenKalinbacak / iStock via Getty Images

5. Tehran, Iran – Istanbul, Turkey
> Origin airport: Tehran (IKA)
> Destination airport: Istanbul (IST)
> Total seats sold in Feb 2021: 110,936

[in-text-ad]

spooh / E+ via Getty Images

4. Paris, France – Guadeloupe, France
> Origin airport: Paris (ORY)
> Destination airport: Guadeloupe (PTP)
> Total seats sold in Feb 2021: 118,594

aroundtheworld.photography / iStock Editorial via Getty Images

3. Cairo, Egypt – Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
> Origin airport: Cairo (CAI)
> Destination airport: Jeddah (JED)
> Total seats sold in Feb 2021: 128,665

Murmakova / iStock Editorial via Getty Images

2. Delhi, India – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
> Origin airport: Delhi (DEL)
> Destination airport: Dubai (DXB)
> Total seats sold in Feb 2021: 129,683

[in-text-ad-2]

1. Orlando, United States – Carolina, Puerto Rico
> Origin airport: Orlando (MCO)
> Destination airport: Carolina (SJU)
> Total seats sold in Feb 2021: 135,244

Essential Tips for Investing (Sponsored)

A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.

Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.