Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) has emerged as the leading airport in Asia Pacific for low-cost flight connectivity, according to the latest OAG Megahubs 2024 report. This year’s rankings, published by OAG, a leading global travel data platform, highlight the ongoing recovery of international air travel in the region and the growing dominance of Asian airports in the global aviation network.

A New Era of Connectivity in Asia Pacific

The 2024 edition of OAG’s report showcases three Asia Pacific airports among the top five most connected globally. Kuala Lumpur ranks second overall, followed by Tokyo Haneda (HND) in third place and Seoul Incheon (ICN) in fifth place. These figures mark a significant rebound for the region as international travel recovers post-pandemic.

The report ranks airports based on the number of destinations served and the number of scheduled connections between international destinations. Asia Pacific now boasts 17 airports in the Top 50 Global Megahubs, cementing its position as a rapidly expanding hub for air travel.

Tokyo Narita’s Leap in Global Rankings

In a remarkable turnaround, Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) jumped an impressive 45 places in the global rankings—from 60th in 2023 to 15th in 2024. This leap signifies Narita’s strategic role in reestablishing Japan’s international air connectivity.

Other airports in Southeast Asia, including Jakarta (CGK), Bangkok (BKK), Manila (MNL), and Singapore (SIN), also made it into the global rankings, further underscoring the region’s rapid recovery and capacity expansion.

Kuala Lumpur: The King of Low-Cost Connectivity

Perhaps most impressively, Kuala Lumpur is the #1 airport globally for low-cost flight connectivity. With 14,583 potential connections to 137 destinations, the Malaysian capital’s airport has solidified its role as a critical low-cost carrier hub, mainly through its homegrown airline, AirAsia. AirAsia dominates the airport, contributing 35% of all flights and 48% of the low-cost carrier (LCC) capacity.

Manila has moved into 2nd place in the broader low-cost connectivity rankings, surpassing Seoul Incheon. Manila offers significant connectivity to 97 destinations, signalling robust growth in the Philippines’ aviation sector.

The Power of Low-Cost Carriers in Asia Pacific

Airports in the Asia Pacific region account for 64% of the Top 25 Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) Megahubs. This dominance highlights the region’s increasing demand for affordable air travel, driven by rising middle-class populations and the desire for affordable international mobility.

“Asia Pacific continues its upward trajectory in global aviation rankings,” said Mayur Patel, Head of ASPAC at OAG. “The Megahubs report reflects the robust recovery of international air travel and growing demand for low-cost travel options across the region.”

The Future of Air Travel in Asia Pacific

As more international routes reopen and travel demand surges, connectivity growth in Asia Pacific will continue to rise. Airports such as Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo Narita, and Manila are positioning themselves as critical players in the global aviation network. Their rapid ascent in the OAG Megahubs rankings is proof of their strategic importance in connecting travellers across the globe.

For a deeper dive into the full rankings and methodology behind the OAG Megahubs 2024, visit OAG’s official report.

Written by: Michelle Warner

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