With so many beautiful islands, buzzing cities and stunning natural wonders to explore, Asia has long been the ultimate proving ground for budget carriers, and in 2025, Skytrax has once again recognised the continent’s best low-cost airlines (as well as the overall winners, listed here). These airlines are making air travel affordable, accessible, and (mostly) surprisingly comfortable – proving you don’t have to break the bank to explore the world.
The top 10 low-cost airlines in Asia for 2025
- AirAsia
The granddaddy of Asia’s low-cost boom, AirAsia connects Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and beyond. Low fares, optional extras, and a clever digital system make it the go-to for millions of passengers every year. - Scoot
Singapore Airlines’ fun, budget-friendly offshoot, Scoot offers long- and short-haul flights across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, all on modern Dreamliners and A320s. - IndiGo
This one is India’s undisputed low-cost giant. Simple cabins, reliable service, and an unmatched domestic network make IndiGo the “on-time, every time” choice for millions of Indian travellers. - HK Express
Hong Kong’s short-haul specialist, HK Express connects the city with Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand, offering a youthful, affordable gateway to Asia. - Jetstar Asia
Singapore-based Jetstar Asia kept regional travel easy and cheap, linking key Southeast Asian cities with solid punctuality and straightforward fares. Pity though, that it ceased operations in July this year. - Peach Aviation
Japan’s pink-branded budget darling, Peach makes domestic and regional travel fun, affordable, and punctual—an alternative to trains and full-service airlines alike. - West Air
China’s Chongqing-based low-cost player serves domestic routes with reliable, value-for-money flights, expanding gradually into neighbouring regions. - ZIPAIR
Tokyo Narita’s long-haul low-cost experiment, ZIPAIR combines Dreamliner comfort with cashless, digital-first convenience – ideal for tech-savvy travellers. - Spring Airlines
China’s largest budget carrier keeps fares minimal, routes extensive, and operations punctual, appealing to price-conscious travellers across the country and beyond. - Citilink
Garuda Indonesia’s green-liveried budget wing connects Indonesia’s islands and nearby countries, balancing affordability with Garuda-level reliability.
In 2025, these carriers are proof that low-cost doesn’t mean low-quality – just smarter, simpler, and far more adventurous ways to get in the air.
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