For the second consecutive year, Heathrow has been named the most connected airport in the world, according to OAG’s Megahubs 2024 report. The UK’s hub airport surpassed Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo to secure the top spot once again.
Heathrow connects passengers and cargo to 234 destinations in over 85 nations and regions across the globe, with over 80 airlines operating out of its four terminals. Its extensive connectivity makes it one of the few airports globally to be part of the prestigious “Six Continents Club,” offering direct flights to every inhabited continent.
OAG, a leading aviation data analytics company, credited Heathrow’s back-to-back win to the high frequency of its international connections and the vast number of destinations served. The report evaluates not only the number of destinations but also the volume of scheduled connections to and from international flights.
Several airlines are expanding operations at Heathrow. Tianjin Airlines recently secured slots to continue year-round flights to Xi’an, Chongqing, and Tianjin, China, while Virgin Airlines will be adding Accra, Ghana, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to its network by summer 2025. Heathrow also offers a variety of exclusive routes not available at other UK airports, including flights to Portland (USA), Chengdu (China), and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam).
Heathrow’s network is diverse, ranging from Qantas’ 17-hour flight to Perth, Australia, to British Airways’ hour-and-a-half connection to Inverness, Scotland. This wide-ranging connectivity benefits not only tourists but also exporters and businesses across the UK, providing access to 95% of the world’s economy with a single flight.
Ross Baker, Chief Customer Officer at Heathrow, said, “We are thrilled to retain the crown of the world’s most connected airport and all the benefits this brings to the UK economy. Heathrow passengers have unrivaled access to the world, giving homegrown businesses a competitive edge. It is set to be a record-breaking year as our dedicated teams help more people fly across the world than ever before.”
John Grant, Chief Analyst at OAG, added, “The combination of destinations served and the frequency with which they are served are key factors in creating the most successful Megahubs in the world. Heathrow excels in both, placing it ahead of its rivals.”
