Jeju–Gimpo Was the World’s Busiest Air Route in 2025
The Jeju–Gimpo route linking Jeju International Airport and Seoul Gimpo International Airport was the world’s busiest air route in 2025. According to the World Air Transport Statistics 2025 released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), 13.3 million passengers traveled between the two airports.
Route rankings can vary depending on how they are measured. IATA counted actual passenger traffic between the airports, while OAG, which analyzes airline schedules and seat capacity, reported that approximately 14.4 million seats were scheduled on the Jeju–Gimpo route in 2025.
No. 1 Worldwide by Both Passenger Traffic and Seat Capacity
According to IATA, the Jeju–Gimpo route was the world’s most heavily traveled airport-to-airport route in 2025. The figures cover passenger journeys in both directions between Jeju International Airport and Gimpo International Airport, totaling 13.3 million passengers for the year.
The route also ranked first worldwide by seat capacity in OAG’s 2025 analysis of major air routes. OAG said approximately 14.4 million seats were scheduled on the route, up about 1% from 2024.
Why Demand for the Jeju–Gimpo Route Is So High
Jeju Island is not only one of South Korea’s leading tourist destinations but also a steady source of travel demand for extended stays, business, education and medical care. Flights between the Seoul metropolitan area and Jeju are effectively the only large-scale scheduled transport option, and cannot easily be replaced by rail or road travel—factors that help explain the route’s consistently high demand.
Gimpo International Airport is easily accessible from central Seoul and the wider capital region, while Jeju International Airport serves as the main gateway to the island’s major tourist destinations and population centers. The airports’ locations, frequent service and participation by multiple airlines all support the route’s strength.
Asia-Pacific Routes Dominate the Global Rankings
According to IATA, nine of the world’s 10 busiest airport-to-airport routes in 2025 were located in the Asia-Pacific region. All 10 were domestic routes, highlighting the scale of demand for travel between cities and the size of short-haul air networks across Asia.
Beyond Jeju–Gimpo, strong domestic demand was also seen on routes linking major cities in Japan, China and Southeast Asia. As short-haul air networks connecting densely populated areas with tourist destinations continue to expand, competition among airlines in the region is expected to remain intense.
Impact on the Aviation Industry and Jeju’s Economy
The route’s world-leading seat capacity and passenger demand have made it a core domestic service for South Korean airlines. Carriers schedule flights during peak travel periods and attract passengers with a range of fares and cabin classes.
Strong air connectivity also affects Jeju’s tourism, accommodation, dining and car-rental industries. However, the actual scale of operations can vary depending on Jeju International Airport’s capacity, weather conditions and aircraft availability, meaning that simply adding more seats may not be enough to meet rising demand.
Outlook and Key Challenges
The Jeju–Gimpo route is a defining domestic air corridor that combines tourism with everyday travel between regions, and it is likely to remain among the world’s busiest routes. Improving punctuality, managing congestion, maintaining safe operations and enhancing passenger convenience will remain key priorities for airlines and airport operators.
It is especially important to distinguish between actual passenger numbers and scheduled seat capacity when interpreting route rankings. IATA’s passenger figures and OAG’s seat-capacity data are different measures, but both point to the Jeju–Gimpo route’s exceptionally strong demand and scale of operations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why was the Jeju–Gimpo route ranked No. 1 in the world in 2025?
Demand for travel between Jeju International Airport and Seoul Gimpo International Airport is exceptionally high, with steady domestic travel for tourism, business and everyday activities.
How many passengers used the Jeju–Gimpo route in 2025?
Based on IATA’s World Air Transport Statistics 2025, approximately 13.3 million passengers traveled between Jeju and Gimpo airports.
Does the figure of 14.4 million seats represent passengers on the Jeju–Gimpo route?
No. The approximately 14.4 million seats refer to the scheduled seat capacity counted by OAG for 2025. This is a different measure from the number of passengers who actually flew.
How are the world’s busiest air routes ranked?
Different organizations use different criteria, including actual passenger numbers, scheduled seat capacity and the number of flights operated. Rankings should therefore be cited together with the organization and methodology behind them.
Why are Asia-Pacific air routes so dominant?
The region has many densely populated metropolitan areas and major tourist destinations, as well as strong demand for domestic and regional short-haul travel. Nine of the world’s 10 busiest airport-to-airport routes in 2025 were also located in the Asia-Pacific region.
