Air travel is soaring again, and the world’s busiest airports are back in action. The ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Air Connectivity Ranking 2024 reports a 14% year-on-year surge in connectivity, driven by stronger airline networks and rising international demand. This year’s list introduces a new Hub Connectivity Index, ranking airports not just by flight volume, but by how efficiently they connect global travelers. So, which hubs are leading the charge? Here are the top 10 airports shaping the future of travel — and yes, an Indian airport has joined the ranks.
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10. Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), India India’s capital airport breaks into the top 10 — and it’s a big deal. As international routes expand and more airlines fly through Delhi, it’s quickly emerging as South Asia’s key aviation hub. (Image: Canva)
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9. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Malaysia Back with a bang. KL’s strategic location and growing airline partnerships have revived its hub status, linking Australia, India, the Middle East, and beyond. (Image: Canva)
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8. Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), Singapore Often crowned the world’s best airport, Changi isn’t just pretty — it’s powerful. With excellent transit routes and traveler experience, it’s the heart of Southeast Asia’s air network. (Image: Canva)
7. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Thailand A gateway to tropical getaways and business hubs alike. Bangkok’s airport is more than a tourist favorite — it’s a crucial connector across the Asia-Pacific. (Image: Canva)
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6. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), China Despite stiff competition from Beijing’s newer Daxing Airport, PEK still pulls its weight. It remains a key player in Asia’s global air traffic map. (Image: Canva)
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5. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), China Southern China’s aviation giant is back in action. Guangzhou is fast becoming a central node for connections across Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. (Image: Canva)
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4. Incheon International Airport (ICN), South Korea Clean, efficient, and always on time — Incheon is a rising star in Northeast Asia. With more intercontinental flights and seamless transit, it's a favorite among global travelers. (Image: Canva)
3. Hamad International Airport (DOH), Qatar Sleek, stylish, and superbly connected. Doha’s airport is now more than a luxury stopover — it’s a serious global connector for long-haul flyers between East and West. (Image: Canva)
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2. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), China A mega-hub for East Asia and beyond, Shanghai combines scale and speed. It’s China’s gateway to the world, linking continents through thousands of weekly flights. (Image: Canva)
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1. Dubai International Airport (DXB), UAE Still the gold standard. With unmatched global reach and a 24/7 buzz, Dubai stays number one. It’s the airport that connects the world — from New York to Nairobi, London to Lahore. (Image: Canva)
Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytelling—both visual and textual—across travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.
