AirAsia continues to solidify its position as Southeast Asia’s leading airline, offering 2.9 million seats this month, followed closely by Lion Air with 2.7 million seats, according to the latest data from OAG. The region’s aviation market is experiencing robust growth, with significant capacity increases from key players and evolving international connectivity.
The OAG data highlights strong expansion among the top regional carriers. Vietjet and Cebu Pacific Air are leading the growth charge, demonstrating impressive year-on-year capacity increases of 28.3% and 25% respectively. This translates to an additional 577,500 seats for Vietjet and 459,300 more seats for Cebu Pacific Air compared to May 2024, signaling strong demand and strategic expansion from these airlines.
Conversely, Lion Air was the sole carrier within the Top 10 to reduce capacity, seeing a 10% decline compared to May 2024, continuing a trend from the previous month.
Southeast Asia’s aviation landscape is dynamic, with scheduled traffic operated by 178 airlines across 292 airports. International connectivity remains a key driver of growth:
- Capacity from Southeast Asia to the rest of Asia Pacific represents the largest international market with 8.1 million seats, marking a 6.1% increase (461,900 additional seats) year-on-year.
- International capacity within Southeast Asia is the second largest market, with 6.7 million seats, growing by 8.4% (521,700 more seats) compared to May 2024.
- Europe is emerging as the fastest-growing long-haul destination, with capacity to the continent increasing by 15% this month to reach 760,200 seats.
Airport activity reflects this overall market expansion. Singapore Changi Airport remains the region’s busiest hub, accommodating 3.6 million seats, a 5.2% increase in capacity from last year. Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi closely follow, each handling approximately 3.2 million and 3.1 million seats respectively.
Within the region’s top 10 airports, Vietnamese airports Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are experiencing the most rapid growth, with capacity up by 15.8% and 13.9% respectively compared to last year. In contrast, Indonesian airports Makassar and Jakarta saw a reduction in capacity by 5.2% and 4.9% respectively compared to May 2024.
This OAG data underscores a vibrant and expanding aviation market in Southeast Asia, characterized by strategic growth from key airlines and increasing international connectivity, particularly with intra-regional and European markets.
