KUL tops Asia Pacific for low-cost flight connectivity

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) has once again claimed the top spot as the most connected airport in Asia Pacific for low-cost flights, according to the latest OAG Megahubs report.

KUL offers an impressive 14,583 low-cost connections to 137 destinations, reaffirming its position as a key travel hub in the region.

The OAG Megahubs 2024 report highlights KUL’s dominance in low-cost carrier (LCC) connectivity, driven by AirAsia, which operates 35% of all flights and controls 48% of LCC capacity at the airport.

This achievement underscores Kuala Lumpur’s pivotal role in the recovery and growth of international air travel in the Asia Pacific region.

KUL leads Asia Pacific’s connectivity growth

KUL’s top ranking in the OAG Megahubs report reflects the growing importance of low-cost travel in Asia Pacific, as the region continues to rebound from the impacts of the pandemic.

The report notes that Asia Pacific is home to three of the top five Megahubs globally—Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo Haneda, and Seoul Incheon—demonstrating the region’s significant recovery and expansion in the aviation sector.

“Kuala Lumpur International Airport continues to be a crucial player in the global low-cost travel market, providing strong connectivity across Asia Pacific,” said Mayur Patel, Head of ASPAC at OAG.

“As Asia Pacific continues its rise in the global rankings, OAG Megahubs reflects the growing recovery of international air travel and strong demand for low-cost travel in the region.”

In addition to KUL, other Asia Pacific airports such as Manila (MNL) and Tokyo Narita (NRT) have also shown remarkable progress, with MNL moving into second place on the Low-Cost Megahubs list, offering connectivity to 97 destinations.

KLIA 2 and its role in low-cost connectivity

KLIA 2, the secondary terminal of KUL, plays a vital role in the airport’s status as a low-cost Megahub.

Specifically designed for low-cost carriers, KLIA 2 enhances the airport’s capacity to handle the high volume of budget travellers, contributing significantly to the overall connectivity offered by KUL.

As Asia Pacific airports dominate 64% of the Top 25 LCC Megahubs globally, KLIA 2 remains a central hub for budget airlines like AirAsia, which is instrumental in connecting travellers to various destinations across the region.

With its continued focus on low-cost travel, KLIA 2 ensures that Kuala Lumpur remains an attractive destination for both business and leisure travellers looking for affordable international connections.

The OAG Megahubs 2024 report indicates a bright future for KUL as it continues to lead in low-cost travel connectivity.

The increase in connections and destinations serves as a testament to Malaysia’s resilience and ability to adapt in the competitive aviation industry.

As more international routes are added, and with ongoing investment in airport infrastructure, KUL and KLIA 2 are poised for further growth.

For more details on KUL’s top ranking and the full analysis, visit OAG’s official website.