Asia’s leading low-cost carrier, AirAsia, has been recognised as the Best Low-Cost Airline of 2025 by Travel + Leisure. With this accolade, the airline has secured the top spot at the Skytrax World Airline Awards for the 16th consecutive year, cementing an exceptional record in the industry.
Headquartered in Malaysia, AirAsia operates a fleet of over 200 aircraft, serving a broad region across Southeast Asia and beyond. Its affordable fares and diverse packages continue to make it a preferred global brand. AirAsia aims to deliver cost-effective travel experiences to even more passengers, pursuing its goal of becoming the world’s first global low-cost airline network.
Low fares and aggressive promotions shape passenger choices
According to Travel + Leisure, AirAsia’s fares on the Kuala Lumpur–Phuket route dropping to around $40 have been a key factor in its popularity. The airline also attracts attention with periodic discount campaigns. In February, the Free Seats Campaign drew strong interest with guaranteed promotional tickets.
In addition to low fares, AirAsia offers packages such as “Value Pack” and “Premium Flex,” giving passengers benefits like baggage allowance, seat selection, and other perks at more affordable rates. However, in line with the low-cost carrier model, services like priority boarding and certain seat assignments may incur additional fees.
Skytrax survey involved passengers from over 100 countries
The annual Skytrax customer satisfaction survey for 2024–2025 involved passengers from more than 100 countries. Once again, AirAsia outperformed its competitors to claim the title of “World’s Best Low-Cost Airline.”
Scoot followed in second place. The low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, Scoot operates a fleet of over 50 aircraft, flying to more than 70 destinations across 18 countries and regions. Scoot was also awarded the “World’s Best Long-Haul Low-Cost Airline.”
Other Skytrax category winners
Beyond low-cost carriers, Skytrax awarded other categories as follows:
- Cleanest airline: EVA Air
- Best economy class: Cathay Pacific
- World’s best airline overall: Qatar Airways (second consecutive year)
Skytrax’s top 20 low-cost airlines of 2025:
- AirAsia
- Scoot
- IndiGo
- Eurowings
- Vueling Airlines
- Volotea
- Transavia France
- Iberia Express
- Flynas
- easyJet
- Ryanair
- Jet2.com
- HK Express
- FlyDubai
- Pegasus Airlines
- airBaltic
- JetSMART Airlines
- SKY Airline
- FlyArystan
- Jetstar Airways
