Low-cost carriers (LCCs) are a firmly established part of the aviation industry, operating one-third of all airline seats globally and dominating markets in some regions of the world. But where exactly are the world’s most connected LCC airports?
Asia Pacific Region Leads The Way
OAG Megahubs 2024, which ranks airports by comparing the number of scheduled connections to and from international flights with the number of destinations served from the airport, reveals that over half of the Top 25 Low-Cost Carrier Airport Megahubs are located in Asia Pacific.
Not only does the Asia Pacific region have 16 airports in the Top 25, but it dominates the top six places of the rankings.
Kuala Lumpur Airport (KUL) is in 1st place, offering 14,583 possible low-cost connections across 137 destinations. Behind it in 2nd place is Manila with a high ratio of connectivity to 97 destinations – which has jumped up one place from the previous year. Incheon, Singapore, Delhi and Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta follow in 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th place respectively.
Dubai Holds its Position
Breaking ASPAC’s streak is Dubai Airport (DBX), which retains its 7th place position again this year and is the highest-ranked airport outside of Asia in the Top 25 Low-Cost Megahubs. Another Middle East airport, Riyadh (RUH), is also featured in the Top 25 in 14th place.
Europe Has a Significant Portion
Europe is home to just around a quarter of the Top 25 LCC Megahubs, with six airports from the rankings found on the continent:
• BCN
• SAW
• AMS
• FCO
• PMI
• LGW
Barcelona (BCN) is the highest-ranked European airport in 8th place, with Vueling dominating the LCC capacity with a 73% share. The airline is also the dominant carrier overall at BCN, operating 41% of total capacity at the airport.
North America Ranks with JFK
New York (JFK) in 9th place is the highest ranked (and only) North American airport in the Top 25 Low-Cost Megahubs. JetBlue is the dominant LCC carrier at JFK, operating 27% of the airport’s flights.
The Future of LCC Airports
So, then, OAG Megahubs 2024 highlights the continuing dominance of the Asia Pacific region in terms of LCC location rankings. But, with the LCC model ever changing and growing – as we explored here – we'll be keeping a close eye on the Top 25 LCC Megahubs next year.
