Hong Kong International Airport has made a strong comeback in 2024, securing the 9th spot among the world’s busiest international airports according to OAG, a global travel data provider. The airport saw a 40% increase in international airline capacity compared to 2023, showing a major rebound in global connectivity. This rise also comes alongside passenger traffic returning to pre-pandemic levels with 5.28 million travellers passing through in January alone, HKIA reported back in February.
What are the busiest international airports in 2024?
The rankings are based on international airline capacity, meaning the number of seats airlines scheduled on international routes for the entire year. This capacity is calculated using scheduled one-way flights, offering a clearer view of how much international traffic an airport can handle.
To put this year’s numbers into perspective, the data compares capacity with 2019 and 2023, showing how airports are recovering or growing beyond pre-pandemic levels, and here is the top 10:
| 2024 Ranking | Airport Name (Code) | Total Seats (Δ 2024 vs 2023) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dubai International (DXB) | 60,236,220 (+7%) |
| 2 | London Heathrow (LHR) | 48,358,450 (+4%) |
| 3 | Seoul Incheon International (ICN) | 41,633,831 (+24%) |
| 4 | Singapore Changi (SIN) | 41,530,309 (+15%) |
| 5 | Amsterdam (AMS) | 39,998,853 (+8%) |
| 6 | Istanbul (IST) | 38,636,958 (+8%) |
| 7 | Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) | 38,482,460 (+5%) |
| 8 | Frankfurt International (FRA) | 35,736,533 (+7%) |
| 9 | Hong Kong International (HKG) | 34,607,000 (+40%) |
| 10 | Doha (DOH) | 32,455,882 (+13%) |
While the rankings highlight international airport capacities, they are based on the number of seats scheduled on international flights, not the number of passengers who actually flew. This means the figures represent the airport’s potential traffic rather than confirmed traveller that have actually landed in the SAR.
More international connections from Hong Kong airlines coming this year
Dubai International Airport (DXB) has maintained its spot as the world’s busiest international airport in 2024, with 60.2 million scheduled seats, continuing its leading position since 2019. London Heathrow (LHR) followed in second place, offering 48.4 million seats, a 4% rise compared to the previous year. Incheon International Airport (ICN) climbed four places to secure third, thanks to a 24% increase in capacity from 2023.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) made an impressive recovery, posting a 40% jump in capacity from 2023 and securing 9th place, though still operating 23% below its 2019 figures, according to OAG. This might suggest the airport has not fully recovered to pre-pandemic capacity, despite showing stronger growth than many other airports.
With more international routes reopening, and Cathay Pacific and HK Express expanding their international network to 100 routes by the end of 2025, Hong Kong International Airport’s role as a key hub is set to strengthen. HK Express is also launching new flights to China, Korea, and Japan in May and June, adding even more connections across Asia.
Earlier this year, HKIA also ranked as one of the world’s top 10 airports in 2025. In another news, travellers should also be aware of the upcoming increase in departure tax this October, the first rise in over 20 years.
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