KLIA ranks first in Asia for connectivity in OAG Megahubs 2026 ranking

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) has been named the top Asian airport for connectivity in OAG’s Megahubs 2026 ranking, securing the #1 spot among all Asian airports and #4 globally, boasting connections to an impressive 154 destinations. This ranking also highlights KUL's dominance in the Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) Megahubs index, with nearly 15,000 potential low-cost connections. According to OAG, a global travel intelligence partner, Asia Pacific (APAC) airports account for eight of the top 20 airports in the index.

In the LCC rankings, AirAsia operates 34% of total flights at KUL, while Seoul Incheon takes the #2 position with connectivity to 198 destinations. The APAC region shows significant recovery, with Shanghai Pudong climbing from 19th to 14th globally, Guangzhou Baiyun International rising from 36th to 19th, and Hong Kong returning to the global top 20 at 20th place. Tokyo Haneda also improved, moving from ninth to eighth globally.

Mayur Patel, OAG Head of APAC, noted that the Asia Pacific rankings reveal two stories: the post-pandemic recovery of Chinese aviation, with these airports back in the top 20, and the transformation of Southeast Asian connectivity due to low-cost carriers. Low-cost carriers now operate 51% of all seats in the region, surpassing the global average.

Singapore Changi has significantly climbed the LCC rankings, moving from 10th to 5th place, reflecting growth in destinations served and potential low-cost connections. Additionally, Fukuoka has risen from 13th to 8th in the LCC index. The average dominant carrier share at APAC's top 10 airports is 33%, lower than in most other regions, reflecting a diverse mix of full-service and low-cost carriers catering to different traveler segments across Southeast and Northeast Asia.