KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 — Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) ranked fourth globally and first among all Asian airports in OAG’s Megahubs 2026 ranking, with connections to 154 destinations, while also topping the Low-Cost Carrier (LCC) Megahubs index with nearly 15,000 possible low-cost connections.
OAG, the intelligence partner for global travel, said its annual ranking of global airport connectivity showed Asia Pacific (APAC) dominating the index, with eight airports in the global top 20.
According to OAG in a statement, AirAsia operates 34 per cent of total flights at KUL, while Seoul Incheon ranked second in the LCC rankings with connectivity reaching 198 destinations.
The recovery of Chinese airports was another standout feature in APAC, with Shanghai Pudong rising from 19th to 14th globally, Guangzhou Baiyun International from 36th to 19th, and Hong Kong returning to the global top 20 at 20th. Tokyo Haneda also improved, rising from ninth to eighth globally.
“The Asia Pacific numbers tell two stories this year. The first is the completion of Chinese aviation's post-pandemic recovery; these airports are back in the top 20, and the data shows it.
“The second is how low-cost carriers have reshaped Southeast Asian connectivity, with 51 per cent of all seats in the region now operated by LCCs, well above the global average,” said OAG Head of APAC, Mayur Patel.
OAG added that Singapore Changi climbed significantly in the LCC rankings, from 10th to fifth, reflecting growth in destinations served and potential low-cost connections, while Fukuoka rose from 13th to eighth in the LCC index.
The average dominant carrier share at APAC’s top 10 airports is 33 per cent, lower than in most other regions, reflecting the diverse mix of full-service and low-cost carriers serving different traveller segments across Southeast and Northeast Asia. — Bernama
