Top 10 Busiest Domestic Routes in Southeast Asia

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Southeast Asia is home to some of the world’s busiest domestic routes. With the region’s rapidly growing economies, large populations, and increasing demand for air travel, it’s no surprise that domestic air routes in the region are continuously growing.

Among the countries that dominate the list of busiest domestic routes are Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Each has seen rapid growth in air travel demand, fueled by increasing urbanization, rising disposable incomes, and a burgeoning middle class eager to explore their homelands.

Here’s a detailed look at the top 10 busiest domestic air routes in Southeast Asia, based on total seat capacity.

Photo: Bamboo Airways

1. Hanoi (HAN) – Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)

  • Total Number of Seats: 933,692
  • Major Carriers: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways

The Hanoi (HAN) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) route remains the busiest domestic route in Southeast Asia, with a staggering 933,692 seat capacity. This route connects the capital city of Vietnam with its bustling southern metropolis.

Moreover, this route has reported an 8% increase in capacity compared to January 2024, reflecting the growing demand for travel between the political and economic hubs of the country. Airlines operating this route offer frequent flights throughout the day, catering to both business and leisure travelers.

2. Jakarta (CGK) – Makassar (UPG)

  • Total Number of Seats: 549,241
  • Major Carriers: Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Citilink

Jakarta (CGK) to Makassar (UPG) is the second busiest domestic route in Southeast Asia. With 549,241 seats, this route is a vital link between Indonesia’s capital and one of its key cities in Sulawesi. The route’s high passenger demand highlights Makassar’s importance as a commercial and cultural hub.

Photo: By Aero Icarus from Zürich, Switzerland – Garuda Indonesia Boeing 737-800; PK-GFT@SIN;02.08.2012/668eb, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26700352

3. Jakarta (CGK) – Denpasar, Bali (DPS)

  • Total Number of Seats: 551,535
  • Major Carriers: Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Batik Air

The Jakarta (CGK) to Denpasar, Bali (DPS) route offers a monthly capacity of around 551,535 seats, making it the third busiest route in the region. Bali’s appeal as a world-renowned tourist destination drives the high demand for this route.

Travelers from Jakarta frequently visit Bali for its pristine beaches, cultural attractions, and vibrant nightlife. Airlines on this route cater to a mix of leisure travelers and business professionals attending events and conferences on the island.

4. Cebu (CEB) – Manila (MNL)

  • Total Number of Seats: 467,993
  • Major Carriers: Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia Philippines

Cebu (CEB) to Manila (MNL) is the busiest domestic route in the Philippines, with 467,993 seats in January. This route connects the country’s capital with Cebu, the “Queen City of the South.”

Moreover, domestic capacity on this route has grown by 15% compared to the previous year, reflecting increased economic activity and the rise in both leisure and business travel. This route is served by low-cost and full-service carriers, ensuring competitive options for passengers.

Photo: Andrew W. Sieber | Flickr

5. Jakarta (CGK) – Surabaya (SUB)

  • Total Number of Seats: 375,044
  • Major Carriers: Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, Citilink

Jakarta (CGK) to Surabaya (SUB) ranks fifth among the busiest domestic routes in Southeast Asia, with over 375,000 monthly seats on offer. Surabaya, Indonesia’s second-largest city, is an industrial powerhouse and a key destination for business travelers.

6. Jakarta (CGK) – Medan Kuala Namu (KNO)

  • Total Number of Seats: 335,604
  • Major Carriers: Lion Air, Batik Air, Garuda Indonesia

Despite being a key route, Jakarta (CGK) to Medan Kuala Namu (KNO) has experienced a 17% decline in capacity compared to last year, with 335,604 seats in January 2025. Medan is a crucial gateway to northern Sumatra and a major business center.

The decline in overall seat capacity could be attributed to economic shifts or changes in airline strategies. Nevertheless, the route continues to play an essential role in domestic connectivity within Indonesia.

Photo: Airbus

7. Surabaya (SUB) – Makassar (UPG)

  • Total Number of Seats: 330,413
  • Major Carriers: Lion Air, Citilink, Garuda Indonesia

The Surabaya (SUB) to Makassar (UPG) route offers more than 330,000 monthly seats, highlighting the strong demand for travel between these two major cities in Indonesia. Both cities are vital economic and cultural centers, and the route facilitates trade, business, and tourism.

8. Da Nang (DAD) – Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)

  • Total Number of Seats: 372,887
  • Major Carriers: Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, Bamboo Airways

Da Nang (DAD) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) is another busiest domestic route in Vietnam, with an average of around 370,000 monthly seats. Capacity on this route has grown by 15% compared to the previous year, driven by Da Nang’s increasing popularity as a tourist destination and its growing economic significance.

Photo: By Masakatsu Ukon – Thai AirAsia X, Airbus A330-300 HS-XTA NRT, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42014140

9. Chiang Mai (CNX) – Don Mueang (DMK)

  • Total Number of Seats: 357,942
  • Major Carriers: Thai AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air

Chiang Mai (CNX) to Don Mueang (DMK) is Thailand’s busiest domestic route, with 357,942 seats. This route connects northern Thailand’s largest city with Bangkok’s secondary airport. It is a popular choice for both domestic tourists exploring the cultural charms of Chiang Mai and local residents traveling to the capital for business or leisure.

10. Bangkok (BKK) – Phuket (HKT)

  • Total Number of Seats: 304,414
  • Major Carriers: Thai Airways, Thai VietJet Air, Bangkok Airways

Rounding off the top 10 list is the route between Bangkok (BKK) and Phuket (HKT), with 304,414 seats on offer in January 2025. This route connects Thailand’s capital with its premier island destination, Phuket.

Photo: Clément Alloing

Conclusion

Southeast Asia’s domestic aviation market continues to grow, driven by rising populations, economic development, and increasing demand for air travel. Vietnam and Indonesia dominate the list, with their extensive domestic networks catering to both business and leisure travelers.

Increased investments in airport infrastructure, the rise of low-cost carriers, and a growing middle class eager to travel domestically will continue to drive this growth. As travel demand recovers and grows, these routes will remain vital to the region’s connectivity and economic growth.

Feature Image by Clément Alloing | Flickr

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