AirAsia has been named the world's best low-cost airline at the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2025, cementing its 16th consecutive "standing at the top of the world's aviation industry".
This achievement reflects AirAsia’s unrivalled network coverage across ASEAN and beyond, with over 130 destinations, affordable fares and a strong commitment to operational efficiency. AirAsia continues to redefine regional connectivity, making travel easier, more affordable and more connected across Asia through its multi-hub strategy in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Cambodia.
AirAsia named World's Best Low-Cost Airline for 16th consecutive year at Skytrax World Airline Awards 2025
Speaking at the awards ceremony during the Paris Air Show 2025 in France on Tuesday, Datuk Kamarudin Meranun, Chairman of Capital A and co-founder of AirAsia, said:
“After 16 years, this recognition is as meaningful as the first day. We started with a simple dream: to make flying affordable for everyone. Being recognized for the 16th consecutive time is proof that we stay true to that mission and continue to fly high in the minds of the millions of passengers who choose to fly with us every year. While this is a fantastic achievement, we are never complacent, and this award will continue to inspire us to do even better.”
Tony Fernandes, CEO Capital A and co-founder of AirAsia, added: “This is an emotional win for me. From carrying just 200,000 passengers in our first year, to now on track to welcome our One Billionth passenger this year, it has been all thanks to the unwavering support of our guests and the unwavering dedication of our incredible Allstars. Every challenge we overcome has made us stronger – it is because of that belief and hard work. We thank the Skytrax team for recognizing this and we share this honour with our Allstars – this award is theirs. Thank you for believing in the dream.”
Edward Plaisted, CEO of Skytrax, said: “We would like to congratulate AirAsia on their fantastic achievement at the World Airline Awards 2025. Winning their 16th consecutive award is a clear testament to their commitment to providing quality travel options at affordable prices. This is a highly competitive and fast-growing market for low-cost carriers, and this award clearly demonstrates AirAsia’s success.”
The award also demonstrates AirAsia’s contribution to connecting hub cities as well as underdeveloped secondary and tertiary regions. This model has allowed the airline to operate unique and strategic routes such as Nha Trang - Kuala Lumpur, Hanoi - Chiang Mai, Da Lat - Kuala Lumpur, Hai Phong - Bangkok and many others, expanding access to emerging travel corridors and areas with tourism development potential. Moving forward, AirAsia aims to increase connectivity to Central Asia and the Middle East, marking an important step in its ambition to become the first truly global low-cost airline.
At the same time, AirAsia’s relentless focus on the passenger experience is what sets it apart. With nearly one billion passengers served, the airline continues to enjoy high levels of customer loyalty and is rated as the most preferred brand in its key markets. AirAsia is currently ranked 24th among the world’s most valuable airline brands, with an estimated brand value of US$1.93 billion, reflecting its combination of strong regional roots and international appeal.
The Skytrax World Airline Awards are one of the most prestigious awards in the global aviation industry. The online survey was conducted between September 2024 and May 2025, with respondents from over 100 nationalities taking part and 22.3 million valid responses. The results were compiled from over 325 airlines worldwide. All costs of the survey and the award ceremony were covered by Skytrax, with no registration or participation fees for airlines.
