AirAsia Aviation Group is set to introduce more than 30 new routes in 2025, marking its full recovery and bolstering both ASEAN and domestic connectivity. This expansion solidifies AirAsia’s position as the region’s leading low-cost carrier.
As the proposed acquisition of AirAsia by AirAsia X Berhad from Capital A Berhad approaches completion, the consolidation of both short- and medium-haul airlines into a larger aviation group will further strengthen the airline’s network and operational synergies, enhancing its competitive position in the industry.
AirAsia’s focus in 2025 will be on refining its cost leadership, optimizing its network, increasing flight frequencies, and improving operational performance across key markets, including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia. These initiatives support growth in high-demand destinations such as India, China, and the broader ASEAN region.
The network optimization process is expected to conclude by the second quarter of 2025, with frequency increases on key routes beginning in the same period. Concurrently, the Group is assessing new routes to accommodate rising intra-Asia travel demand, fueled by relaxed visa policies in major markets like China, India, Thailand, and Malaysia, as well as shifting travel trends.
In a significant move, AirAsia Malaysia recently announced the launch of a new route to Australia, with four weekly flights to Darwin beginning on 27 June 2025. This will make AirAsia the first airline in the region to offer direct connectivity between Kuala Lumpur and Darwin. AirAsia Indonesia also marked a milestone with its inaugural flight from Bali to Darwin on 22 March 2025, further strengthening the Northern Territory’s ties with ASEAN.
Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group, commented: “As we return to full capacity in 2025, our focus will be on balancing growth with profitability. Our network strategy will prioritize demand-driven, strategic connectivity across Asia. With over 30 new routes and increased frequencies on popular services, we are responding directly to market needs and expanding Fly-Thru opportunities. In 2024, our Fly-Thru traffic grew to 4.3 million, and we aim to surpass seven million Fly-Thru guests in 2025, accounting for about 10% of total passenger numbers. This growth will be supported by the reactivation of 16 aircraft and the delivery of 14 new aircraft in 2025, which will form the foundation of our sustainable expansion strategy.”
“Our mega hubs in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Bangkok-Don Mueang (DMK) will continue to drive Fly-Thru growth, currently handling 95% of Fly-Thru traffic. We also plan to expand additional hubs and look forward to adding over 1,700 weekly return flights and 323,336 weekly seats across the Group by the end of 2025.”
In 2025, AirAsia will operate a fleet of 234 narrowbody aircraft across its five short-haul airlines, fully restoring its pre-pandemic capacity. With only 16 aircraft remaining to be reactivated and 14 new aircraft deliveries confirmed for the year—four from Airbus and 10 from lessors—the airline is poised for robust growth.
AirAsia’s commitment to expanding its mega hubs and Fly-Thru services reflects its vision of becoming a global low-cost network carrier, connecting ASEAN to the world and the world to ASEAN.
