What are city pairs in aviation terminology?

City pairs in aviation terminology refer specifically to the two cities involved in a flight route. This concept is essential for understanding airline operations and route planning, as it highlights the origin and destination points for passenger travel.

When airlines look at city pairs, they analyze routes based on demand for travel between those specific cities. Each flight connects one city to another, making it vital for airlines to identify which city pairs generate the most traffic, thereby impacting scheduling, pricing, and overall operational strategies.

While there are various ways to look at airport connections and traffic, such as linking cities with connecting flights or focusing on high passenger volume areas, the fundamental definition of city pairs emphasizes the direct relationship between two locations served by a particular flight.