AirAsia was hailed by Skytrax as the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for a 16th consecutive year at the Skytrax World Airline Awards 2025 held on Tuesday, 17th June.
The accolade reaffirms AirAsia’s reputation as the global gold standard in low-cost travel.
At the awards ceremony, Skytrax’s chief executive officer Edward Plaisted declared: “We congratulate AirAsia on this fabulous achievement at the 2025 World Airline Awards. This success for a record sixteenth time is a clear reflection of their dedication to providing quality, affordable travel options to customers. This is a most competitive and fast growing market for low cost airlines, and this award demonstrates AirAsia success.”
Likewise, the award reflects the airline’s unmatched reach across ASEAN and beyond, underpinned by a vast network connecting over 130 destinations, affordable fares, and a strong commitment to operational excellence.
Indeed, AirAsia continues to redefine connectivity, making travel accessible, affordable, and seamlessly integrated across Asia leveraging its multi-hub strategy across Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Cambodia.
Still meaningful after all these years
In accepting the award at a ceremony at the Paris Air Show 2025, Capital A chair and AirAsia co-founder Kamarudin Meranun was moved to remark on how, 16 years on, this recognition remains just as meaningful as ever to the company.
Meranun declared: “We started with a simple dream to make flying affordable for everyone. To be recognised for the 16th time reaffirms that we have stayed true to that mission and continue to soar high in the minds of the many millions of passengers who choose to fly with us each year. While this award is truly another fantastic achievement, we never rest on our laurels and it inspires us to go even further.”
Capital A chief executive and AirAsia co-founder Tony Fernandes likewise declared that this win is one he considers emotional on a personal level.
Fernandes said: “From flying just 200,000 guests in our first year to aiming to welcome our one billionth guest this year, this journey has been made possible by the unwavering support of our guests, and the tireless dedication of our incredible Allstars. Every challenge we have faced, every comeback we have made, was made possible by their trust and effort. We thank the Skytrax team for recognising our work, and I would like to share the award with my Allstars: it belongs to them. Thank you for believing in the dream.”
A winning model
The award also serves as a testament to the airline’s contribution to connecting both primary and underserved secondary and tertiary cities.
This model has enabled the launch of unique and strategic routes such as Kuala Lumpur-Labuan Bajo, Bangkok-Narathiwat, Manila-Tagbilaran, Jakarta-Silangit, and others expanding access to emerging travel corridors and tourism growth areas.
At the same time, AirAsia’s continued emphasis on guest experience sets it apart: having flown close to one billion guests, the airline maintains high levels of customer loyalty and brand advocacy across its key markets.
Looking ahead, the airline is set to deepen its connectivity across Central Asia and the Middle East, marking a significant step forward in its ambition to become the first truly global low-cost network carrier.
