Top 10 Unserved Asian Routes: LAX and LHR Lead the List
Exploring Untapped Opportunities in the Asian Aviation Market
The Asian aviation market is on the brink of transformation as airlines search for new routes to satisfy the rising demand for air travel. Recent data reveals that several key routes within Asia remain unserved, despite their historical passenger volumes. In this article, we will explore untapped Asian aviation markets identified by Benotra, highlighting the potential for airlines to expand their networks and capture new revenue streams.
10 Unserved Routes in Asia
Using insights from the BEONTRA Route Forecasting solution, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 untapped Asian aviation markets based on passenger volume from the last year. Although the data is slightly dated, it offers valuable insights into market potential.
Top 10 Untapped Asian Aviation Markets
| Rank | Route | 2019 PAX Volume | Latest PAX Volume | Recovery Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Angeles – Ho Chi Minh City | 266k | 253k | 95% |
| 2 | London Heathrow – Manila | 280k | 218k | 78% |
| 3 | Los Angeles – Bangkok BKK | 233k | 154k | 66% |
| 4 | Delhi – Denpasar | 101k | 147k | 145% |
| 5 | Mumbai – Denpasar | 112k | 145k | 130% |
| 6 | London Heathrow – Denpasar | 167k | 138k | 82% |
| 7 | Medan – Denpasar | 130k | 117k | 91% |
| 8 | Paris CDG – Denpasar | 136k | 116k | 85% |
| 9 | Amsterdam – Manila | 232k | 115k | 49% |
| 10 | Kagoshima – Sapporo CTS | 521k | 115k | 22% |
The top-ranking route, Los Angeles to Ho Chi Minh City, recorded an impressive 266,000 passengers in 2019. Following closely are the routes from London Heathrow to Manila and Los Angeles to Bangkok, with passenger volumes of 280,000 and 233,000, respectively. The demand for connections to Denpasar is particularly noteworthy, demonstrating significant travel interest across several major Asian cities.
Untapped Potential in the Aviation Sector
As the aviation industry rebounds from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, these unserved routes in Asia present airlines with exceptional opportunities. By introducing direct services on these routes, airlines can address pent-up travel demand and gain a competitive edge in the growing Asian travel market.
However, recovery rates vary significantly across these markets. For instance, while Delhi to Denpasar has experienced a remarkable recovery rate of 145%, the Amsterdam to Manila route has only reached 49%. Airlines must assess each market’s dynamics, including competition and economic conditions, when considering new route launches.
Detailed Analysis of Key Routes
Los Angeles to Ho Chi Minh City: A Leading Route
The Los Angeles (LAX) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) route stands out with 253,000 passengers in the past year, achieving a 95% recovery rate compared to 2019 levels. Despite its potential, this route poses challenges due to its long distance of approximately 13,200 km, raising questions about which airline will capitalize on this opportunity.
Expanding Direct Services to Bali, Indonesia
Denpasar (DPS) in Bali appears five times in the rankings, showcasing its untapped potential for direct services. Routes from major hubs like New Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM), as well as European cities like London and Paris, are ripe for development. Notably, the recovery for New Delhi to Denpasar and Mumbai to Denpasar has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, achieving recovery rates of 145% and 130%, respectively.
Challenges for Domestic Routes
An analysis of the top 10 untapped routes reveals that domestic routes in Japan, Indonesia, and China are lagging, with recovery rates below 50%. For example, the Kagoshima (KOJ) to Sapporo (CTS) route exhibits a mere 22% recovery rate, indicating a slow return for certain domestic connections. This trend is echoed in Indonesia and China, where some domestic routes remain underperforming despite overall industry recovery projections.
Conclusion and Call to Action
As the Asian aviation market continues to evolve, airlines have a unique opportunity to explore these untapped routes and meet growing passenger demand. We invite our readers to share their thoughts on potential routes or read more about the future of air travel in Asia. Your insights could help shape the next phase of growth in this vital industry!
For more information on aviation trends and updates, visit the International Air Transport Association (IATA) here.
