KLIA tops list of low-cost Megahubs

OAG Megahubs ranks the connectivity of the world's leading international airport hubs both globally and regionally as well as gateways into domestic markets, providing a platform for comparison.

The report noted that AirAsia, Asia's largest low-cost carrier, is the dominant carrier at the airport with a 35 per cent share of total flights between August 2023 and August 2024, and accounted for 48 per cent of all low-cost carrier (LCC) capacity.

Globally, KLIA has moved up to the second place in the Top 50 Megahubs list this year, and is the most connected airport in Asia Pacific.

"KLIA does not have the highest volume of connections compared to some of the biggest hubs in the index, but it does have a high ratio of connections to destinations served, which is what pushes it up the ranking from 12th place in 2019 to the fourth place in 2023," it said.

In a post on Linkedln, Capital A Bhd chief executive officer Tan Sri Tony Fernandes said the achievement was a true testament to the resilience and spirit of the Asia Pacific region, and AirAsia stands ready to support the future of connectivity in the region.

"Proud to see KLIA ranked as the number one LCC (hub) in OAG Megahubs 2024 report. This is more than just a ranking, it's a reflection of how far we've come together," he said.

According to him, AirAsia is on track to fly more than 12 million passengers departing from KLIA this year, and the number of passengers is projected to reach 15 million by 2025.

"Our network of nearly 300 daily departures will continue to power KLIA's position as a major connecting hub, linking passengers to an award-winning, diverse route map.

"As international air travel picks up strongly, we remain committed to building a future where everyone can explore the world," he added.

Meanwhile, London's Heathrow Airport remains the most internationally connected airport in the world in 2024, and is the world's fourth biggest airport in terms of scheduled one-way capacity between August 2023 and August 2024.

The OAG Megahubs 2024 report also highlighted that Asia Pacific is home to three of the Top 5 Megahubs, namely KLIA, Tokyo International Airport and Incheon International Airport.

The data for the report was extracted from the busiest day for global aviation in the past year, from September 2023 to August 2024.

-- BERNAMA