AirAsia was recently recognised by Official Airline Guide’s (OAG) 2024 Megahubs Index as the leading contributor to Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s (KLIA) status as the top global Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) Megahub.
A megahub is defined as an airport that offers a high volume of connections to international destinations, facilitating extensive global travel.
London Heathrow remains the world’s #1 internationally connected airport. Recovery is strong in Asia Pacific, with Kuala Lumpur and Tokyo Haneda moving up in the rankings at #2 and #3 (up from #4 and #5 in 2023) respectively. Seoul Incheon International Airport is #5 (up from #8).
Key European Megahubs Amsterdam Airport Schiphol ranks #4 and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport ranks #7. Other notable rankings include New York’s JFK at #6, Istanbul Airport at #8, Singapore Changi Airport at #13 and Dubai International Airport ranks #16.
AirAsia reaffirms commitment to expand at KLIA
AirAsia which commands all flights at KLIA Terminal 2, has reaffirmed its commitment to expand its operations from this hub. The report highlights that KLIA offers over 14,500 possible low-cost connections across 137 destinations.
AirAsia operates 43% of all flights and accounts for 74% of KLIA’s total LCC capacity, according to OAG. Currently, there are up to 236 daily departures from KLIA.
In Q4 of 2024, the airline confirmed the launch of five new routes, adding to the existing 112 international and 14 domestic routes it currently operates from KLIA across all airlines in the Group.
Additionally, the airline will be introducing new routes to other countries in Asia and Africa.
AirAsia’s vast connectivity from the five countries it operates in across Asean in Bangkok, Thailand; Jakarta, Indonesia; Phnom Penh, Cambodia; and Manila, the Philippines plays a vital role not only in establishing Kuala Lumpur as the top global Megahub Low-Cost Carrier but also in reinforcing its dominance in regional markets.
AirAsia Thailand is the leading carrier at Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok, which ranks as the 15th most connected LCC airport globally, while AirAsia Indonesia holds a similar position at Bali’s Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, ranked 18th in the top 25 LCC airports.
Tony Fernandes, CEO of Capital A and Advisor of AirAsia Aviation Group, commented: “When I co-founded AirAsia 23 years ago, I envisioned a future where KLIA would stand among the global elite airports. It is now the second most connected airport globally. KLIA tops the airports in this region, offering more than 14,500 possible low-cost connections, surpassing Singapore and Bangkok in terms of air connectivity.
“AirAsia is the largest foreign operator for routes between Asean and both India and China and KLIA is a key hub in our Fly-Thru service. The recent launches of the Almaty, Nairobi and Port Blair routes mark AirAsia’s foray into new frontiers, with more flights to Asia and Africa on the horizon.”
Bo Lingam, CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group, highlighted the role of AirAsia’s fleet expansion in supporting its network growth plans. “We took delivery of four new A321neos this year, with five more to go. We currently hold an order for 361 units of the A321 model. With this secured aircraft delivery stream, we can rapidly grow our network and enhance connectivity across Asia and beyond, and turn Southeast Asia into the next Dubai as a key transit point through our multi-hub connectivity.
“Our Fly-Thru service has also been instrumental in connecting guests from across Asia. It allows travellers from key markets including India and China to access a growing number of new places across our network of more than 130 destinations across Asia, Australia and soon Africa. We aim to grow Fly-Thru traffic to 25% by 2025, up from 21% in 2019, further enhancing our connectivity.”
In line with its growth plans to establish a global low-cost carrier network, the airline is poised to announce more exciting destinations before the year ends, reinforcing its commitment to connecting Asean with the world, and the world with Asean.
