The OAG Megahubs 2024 Report presents a comprehensive analysis of the most connected airports worldwide, emphasizing international and domestic connectivity. Now in its 10th year, the report serves as a benchmark for the global aviation industry, highlighting trends in air connectivity, regional hubs, and their dominant carriers.
Key Sections of the Report
1. Top 50 Global Megahubs
The ranking is based on the ratio of scheduled connections to the number of destinations served.
- London Heathrow (LHR) retains its position as the most internationally connected airport, with British Airways operating 50% of its flights.
- Kuala Lumpur (KUL) climbed to second place, dominating in Asia Pacific. AirAsia leads with 35% of flights.
- Tokyo Haneda (HND) ranks third globally, showcasing Japan’s strong recovery in international travel.
| Rank | Airport | Country | Dominant Carrier | Share of Flights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LHR | United Kingdom | British Airways | 50% |
| 2 | KUL | Malaysia | AirAsia | 35% |
| 3 | HND | Japan | Japan Airlines | 35% |
| 4 | AMS | Netherlands | KLM-Royal Dutch Airlines | 55% |
| 5 | ICN | South Korea | Korean Air | 22% |
2. Top 25 Low-Cost Megahubs
Airports in this category are evaluated for their ability to connect low-cost carrier (LCC) flights.
- Kuala Lumpur (KUL) leads the list, offering over 14,500 low-cost connections to 137 destinations.
- Manila (MNL) ranks second, followed by Incheon (ICN).
| Rank | Airport | Country | Dominant Carrier | Share of Flights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | KUL | Malaysia | AirAsia | 35% |
| 2 | MNL | Philippines | Cebu Pacific Air | 32% |
| 3 | ICN | South Korea | Korean Air | 22% |
| 4 | SIN | Singapore | Singapore Airlines | 33% |
| 5 | DEL | India | IndiGo | 39% |
3. Top 25 US Domestic Megahubs
This category evaluates airports based on domestic connectivity.
- Chicago O’Hare (ORD) and Atlanta (ATL) share the top spot, reflecting their balanced mix of capacity and connection diversity.
- Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) ranks third, with American Airlines operating 85% of its flights.
| Rank | Airport | State | Dominant Carrier | Share of Flights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ORD | Illinois | United Airlines | 49% |
| 1 | ATL | Georgia | Delta Air Lines | 75% |
| 3 | DFW | Texas | American Airlines | 85% |
| 4 | CLT | North Carolina | American Airlines | 87% |
| 5 | DEN | Colorado | United Airlines | 50% |
Regional Highlights
1. Asia Pacific
The region dominates global connectivity, with 16 airports in the Top 50. Key hubs include:
- Kuala Lumpur (KUL): The most connected low-cost hub globally.
- Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Narita (NRT): Japan’s recovery bolsters their rankings.
2. Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA)
- London Heathrow (LHR) and Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) lead in Europe.
- Dubai (DXB) and Istanbul (IST) are the primary Middle Eastern hubs.
3. North America
Nine of the top ten airports are in the U.S., led by:
- John F. Kennedy (JFK): The most internationally connected in North America.
Performance of Key Arab Airports
1. Dubai International (DXB)
- Ranked 7th globally, with connections to 279 destinations.
- Emirates operates 38% of its flights.
2. Riyadh (RUH)
- Climbed to 42nd position, reflecting increased regional and international traffic.
- Saudi Airlines leads with 42% of flights.
3. Jeddah (JED)
- Specializes in pilgrimage traffic, with Saudi Airlines dominating at 39%.
4. Cairo (CAI)
- Strengthened its position in North Africa, with EgyptAir managing 42% of flights.
Key Insights from Megahubs 2024
- Shift Towards Asia:
- Asia Pacific hosts three of the top five global megahubs, highlighting its growing influence in aviation.
- Dominance of Low-Cost Carriers:
- LCCs account for 61% of capacity in Southeast Asia, reshaping travel accessibility.
- Regional Connectivity Growth:
- Airports in Asia and the Middle East are leveraging strategic locations to boost global reach.
- Recovery in International Travel:
- Airports such as Tokyo Narita (NRT) reflect strong rebounds in passenger traffic post-pandemic.
Conclusion
The OAG Megahubs 2024 Report provides invaluable insights into global air connectivity trends, showcasing the dynamic evolution of international and domestic aviation markets. From Asia’s rise as a connectivity powerhouse to the Middle East’s pivotal role as a global transit hub, the report underscores the significance of strategic investments in infrastructure and carrier partnerships in shaping the future of air travel.
Source: OAG Megahubs 2024 Report
Full report for download and reading: Megahubs-2024
