Low Cost Carriers (LCCs) have redefined air travel over the past two decades, and 2025 marks another milestone year for many airlines and airports. The world’s busiest LCC airports now serve tens of thousands of budget connections, linking continents and making air travel accessible to millions. From Southeast Asia’s megahubs to Europe’s most efficient single-runway airports, these hubs have become the beating heart of the budget aviation revolution.

This ranking, compiled by OAG’s 2025 Megahubs Index, evaluates airports based on the volume of low-cost carrier connections within a six-hour window. The list reveals where budget airlines are reshaping travel patterns, from regional giants like AirAsia and Pegasus Airlines to hybrid operators such as Virgin Australia International and Flydubai. Here’s a closer look at the seven largest low-cost carrier airports in 2025, starting from number seven and climbing to the undisputed leader on the crossroad between Asia and Australia, highlighting the growing power of low-cost megahubs.

Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport

10,103 LCC Connections

Located on the Asian side of Istanbul, Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) has cemented itself as Türkiye’s premier low-cost gateway. Handling over 10,103 low-cost connections across a total of 152 destinations, SAW ranks seventh globally in 2025, driven primarily by Pegasus Airlines, which accounts for a commanding 63% of all flights here.

Opened in 2001 to reduce congestion at Istanbul’s main airport, Sabiha Gökçen has evolved into a significant hub for regional and European travel. Pegasus Airlines connects Istanbul to almost every major European capital and to cities across the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia. Its extensive network provides both leisure and business travelers with affordable access to markets that traditional full-service carriers often miss.

Another LCC operating from this airport is AJet, a Turkish Airlines subsidiary, connecting Istanbul to many cities throughout Türkiye, Europe, and the Middle East.

With continuous expansion projects and the completion of new terminal upgrades in late 2024, Sabiha Gökçen’s capacity has reached new heights. The airport’s strong low-cost profile has made it indispensable for both Turkish tourism and business connectivity, setting an example of how secondary airports can become global leaders through LCC growth.

Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport

6,984 LCC Connections

Australia’s busiest airport, Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD), might be known for its long-haul flights, but in 2025 it stands as the sixth-largest LCC hub worldwide. With 6,984 low-cost connections and 21% of flights operated by budget carriers, SYD has emerged as a regional anchor for the Pacific’s low-cost hub, led by Virgin Australia International, the airline that features both a low-cost and full-service model.

Virgin Australia’s post-pandemic transformation reshaped the Australian low-cost market. Its renewed focus on affordability and flexible service placed it in direct competition with Jetstar, the Qantas Group’s low-cost subsidiary. Together, these airlines now account for a significant portion of SYD’s domestic and regional traffic, connecting Sydney to key leisure routes across Australia and abroad, to popular destinations such as Bali, Auckland, and Fiji.

The airport’s strong mix of business and leisure travel allows LCCs to thrive in both short-haul and mid-range markets. With Western Sydney Airport set to open later in the decade, Kingsford Smith’s dominance might be challenged, but for now, it remains Australia’s beating heart for budget travel.

Dubai International Airport

19,727 LCC Connections

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has long been a symbol of global air connectivity, and now, it’s also a low-cost carrier powerhouse. Ranking fifth globally, DXB’s 19,727 low-cost connections make it the most active Middle Eastern LCC hub, with 28% of all flights operated by flydubai, Emirates’ low-cost sibling.

Flydubai’s model bridges the gap between budget and premium, serving over 120 destinations across Asia, Europe, and Africa, many of which complement Emirates’ long-haul network. This synergy enables passengers to book mixed itineraries, combining low-cost regional hops with intercontinental luxury on Emirates flights.

The growth of Flydubai has also attracted other low-cost carriers from the region, such as flynas, Jazeera Airways, and other smaller LCCs, which all fly regularly to Dubai, according to TimeOut Dubai. Together, they’ve positioned DXB as a multi-carrier LCC megahub, reflecting the region’s rapid diversification beyond traditional luxury carriers.

As Dubai continues to expand Terminal 3 and the Al Maktoum (DWC) airport project progresses, DXB’s ability to handle both low-cost and full-service operations remains a core advantage. Few airports combine scale, strategic geography, and airline integration as effectively as Dubai.

Hong Kong International Airport

12,344 LCC Connections

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) has experienced a rapid resurgence in low-cost services following the pandemic. Jumping from 24th place in 2024 to 4th in 2025, HKG now boasts 12,344 low-cost connections, with HK Express, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cathay Pacific, at the forefront, accounting for 14% of all flights.

HK Express’s rapid growth illustrates Hong Kong’s evolving aviation landscape. Traditionally dominated by full-service carriers, the airport is now diversifying into low-cost operations to capture price-sensitive travelers from Mainland China and Southeast Asia. Popular routes include Bangkok, Phuket, Da Nang, Osaka, Seoul, and Jeju, all cities that attract the leisure travel market across the Asia-Pacific region.

HKG’s new three-runway system and Terminal 2 expansion have increased its capacity, allowing for more short-haul and budget-friendly services. Combined with HK Express’s integration into Cathay’s digital unified system, Hong Kong is reclaiming its role as a key Asian transfer hub, and this time, it is also for low-cost travelers.

Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport

7,878 LCC Connections

At number three, Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) remains the Philippines’ dominant gateway for low-cost travel. With 7,878 low-cost connections and 33% of all flights operated by Cebu Pacific Air, MNL’s position highlights the Philippines’ reliance on affordable air travel for its domestic and regional networks.

Cebu Pacific’s strategy centers on high-frequency, short-haul routes across the archipelago and Southeast Asia. From Manila, it connects to major cities such as Singapore, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Seoul, as well as to dozens of domestic destinations, including Cebu, Davao, and Iloilo. This coverage makes MNL a critical hub for Filipino citizens working abroad and for inbound tourism.

The airport, though limited by infrastructure constraints, has seen improvements in operational efficiency and slot management. Cebu Pacific continues to expand its Airbus A320neo and A321neo fleet, boosting fuel efficiency and reducing costs. Together with AirAsia Philippines, MNL’s LCC presence continues to grow steadily despite the airport’s well-documented congestion challenges, according to The Nation Thailand.

Seoul Incheon International Airport

16,792 LCC Connections

South Korea’s main international gateway, Seoul Incheon (ICN), takes the second spot in 2025 with 16,792 low-cost connections and 10% of total flights operated by Jeju Air. This ranking marks a remarkable rise for Korea’s budget sector, driven by the collective strength of multiple low-cost airlines, including T’way Air, Air Busan, and Jin Air.

Jeju Air’s success has been instrumental in positioning ICN as Northeast Asia’s LCC transit hub. Its network covers popular holiday destinations in Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam. For overseas tourists traveling to popular Southeast Asian destinations, ICN airport is a very attractive and convenient stopover. With competitive pricing and increasing cooperation among Korean LCCs, this airport has become a magnet for travelers looking for affordable alternatives to legacy carriers.

ICN’s infrastructure also supports this growth. The airport’s Terminal 2 expansion and state-of-the-art automated systems have reduced turnaround times, a critical advantage for budget carriers operating on tight schedules. As South Korea continues liberalizing its air policies, ICN’s low-cost profile is set to expand even further, potentially surpassing Kuala Lumpur in future rankings.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport

16,502 LCC Connections

Once again, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) takes the top spot as the world’s largest low-cost carrier hub in 2025 – a title it has held for several years running. With 16,502 LCC connections, 36% of flights operated by AirAsia, and a total of 151 destinations served, KUL remains the center of attraction for budget aviation.

AirAsia’s dominance defines the airport’s identity. Founded in Malaysia in 2001, the carrier transformed regional travel by pioneering affordable fares across Asia. Today, the AirAsia Group, which includes subsidiaries in Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and India, uses KUL as its hub. From there, passengers can reach virtually every major city in the Asia-Pacific, including Tokyo, Bali, Bangkok, and beyond.

KUL’s purpose-built klia2 terminal, designed specifically for low-cost carriers, has become a global model for efficiency. The terminal’s direct rail access, wide-body long-haul LCC operations such as AirAsia X, and automated immigration systems allow AirAsia to handle massive passenger volumes while maintaining low turnaround times. Malaysia’s strategic geography, being at the crossroads of Asia and serving as a gateway to Australia, ensures KUL’s continued dominance. As Air Asia X revives its long-haul operations to the Middle East and Australia, Kuala Lumpur is poised to stay the world’s most connected budget hub.

The 2025 OAG Megahubs Index reveals a clear trend: low-cost carriers are no longer just regional players; they are at the center of global connectivity. From Kuala Lumpur to Dubai, these airports exemplify how affordable travel networks have evolved into sophisticated systems that link continents. They offer high frequency, vast reach, and increasingly smooth transfer options, which were traditionally a domain of legacy carriers.

Southeast Asia remains the epicenter of this transformation, with Kuala Lumpur, Manila, and Seoul driving the top ranks. However, the rise of Dubai and Sydney signals that LCC dominance is spreading globally, reshaping how and where people travel around the world.