Top 5 busiest routes at London Heathrow Airport in 2023
London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is one of the world's largest mega hubs with the best connectivity. According to OAG, it is the fourth busiest airport in the world in 2023.
The airport finally entered the top five after being the seventh busiest international airport in 2022 and 2019. It ended the year with its highest-ever traffic in December 2023, resulting in 79 million passengers during the year, writes Simple Flying.
Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Total number of seats: 962,982
The first of the two Middle East destinations on this list, flights between Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH) and LHR are operated by only two oneworld airlines: British Airways and Qatar Airways. Nevertheless, there are many different types of cabins on the route for those who want to travel on a specific aircraft.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Total number of seats: 1.094 million
The route between LHR and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) was the fourth busiest route from the British capital's airport in 2023, with five carriers flying between LHR and LAX. These included American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic, with the British flag carrier offering the largest number of flights, 1,059. American Airlines came in second with 960 frequencies, and Virgin Atlantic was in second place with 905 flights between LHR and LAX in 2023.
Dublin Airport (DUB)
Total number of seats: 1.1 million
Interestingly, the 243 nautical mile (450-kilometer) route is the third busiest with LHR, with airlines planning more than 1.1 million seats for flights from the British capital to the Irish capital, which are separated by the Irish Sea. Only two airlines can be seen between the two airports: Aer Lingus and British Airways.
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Total number of seats: 1.4 million
Flights from LHR to Dubai International Airport (DXB) are operated by four airlines, namely British Airways, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, and, surprisingly, Royal Brunei Airlines. The country's main carrier operates a Fifth Freedom flight from Brunei International Airport (BWN) to DXB and then to LHR on a Boeing 787-8. During the year, the airline scheduled 154 frequencies between LHR and DXB.
New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Total number of seats: 1.9 million
The busiest route from LHR is New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), where five airlines operate flights between the two business centers. JetBlue is the only airline that operates the Airbus A321neo on this route, with 646 flights scheduled between LHR and JFK.
