These cheap airlines dominate over 50% of Southeast Asia’s airborne travelers, making budget travel accessible and convenient.
AirAsia: All over Asia
Once a struggling Malaysian government airline, AirAsia (airline code: AK) was transformed by entrepreneur Tony Fernandes in 2001. Initially serving the Langkawi-Kuala Lumpur route, AirAsia now boasts 88 destinations across Southeast Asia, Australia, and North Asia, making it Asia’s fifth-largest airline.
Hubs & Network
AirAsia comprises six affiliated short-haul airlines operating in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and India, reaching over 80 destinations within the Asia-Pacific region.
Cebu Pacific: Flying Filipinos
Cebu Pacific (airline code: 5J) lives by the motto “We go where Filipinos go”. Since its inception in 1996, it has expanded from three domestic routes in the Philippines to various international destinations.
Hubs & Network
Operating from its main hub in Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Cebu Pacific has an extensive network covering 37 domestic destinations and 26 cities across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
JetStar Asia: Asia-Australia Bridge
JetStar, a low-cost carrier brand under Australian flag carrier Qantas, operates JetStar Asia (airline code: 3K) from Singapore’s Changi Airport and JetStar Pacific (airline code: BL) within Vietnam.
Hubs & Network
JetStar Asia connects Australia to over 20 locations in Southeast Asia, offering routes to countries including Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia.
Lion Air: Indonesia Roars
Lion Air (airline code: JT) operates Indonesia’s most extensive airline network from Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, offering flights to over 100 destinations within Indonesia and select international locations.
Hubs & Network
Lion Air connects international destinations in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam, supporting a comprehensive network catered to local travelers.
Nok Air: Thailand’s Biggest Bird
Nok Air (airline code: DD) operates out of Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport, serving over 20 domestic destinations including Chiang Mai and Phuket, along with one international route to Yangon, Myanmar.
Scoot: Singapore’s Budget Connection
Scoot (airline code: TR) operates as the budget carrier under Singapore Airlines, flying from Changi Airport to over 60 destinations worldwide.
VietJet Air: Hot in Vietnam
VietJet Air (airline code: VJ), established in 2011 as Vietnam’s first private airline, connects major cities in Vietnam while expanding its reach to international destinations.
Golden Myanmar Airlines: Low Fares from Yangon to Mandalay
Golden Myanmar Airlines (airline code: Y5), Myanmar’s first budget carrier, connects major cities such as Yangon and Mandalay, offering flights to smaller airports.
