Airasia Expects To Launch Over 30 New Routes In 2025, Boosting Regional And Fly-Thru Connectivity

AirAsia's 2025 Route Plans

AirAsia Aviation Group plans to launch over 30 new routes by 2025, marking its full recovery. This expansion will enhance both Asean and domestic connections, solidifying its status as the top low-cost airline in the region.

With the impending finalization of AirAsia's acquisition by AirAsia X Berhad from Capital A Berhad, the merger of both short- and medium-haul airlines into a larger aviation group will bolster the airline’s industry standing, enhancing its network and operational efficiencies.

As the groundwork is established for the future, AirAsia will prioritize cost leadership in 2025, refining its network and flight frequencies while boosting operational performance in key markets like Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia. These initiatives are designed to foster growth in high-demand locations including India, China, and across ASEAN.

The network optimisation is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2025, with frequency increases across high-demand routes beginning in the same period. In parallel, the group is evaluating new routes to meet growing intra-Asia travel demand driven by easing visa initiatives across key markets, including China, India, Thailand, and Malaysia, which are aligned with evolving travel trends.

Recently, AirAsia Malaysia announced its new service to Australia, launching four weekly flights to Darwin starting 27 June 2025. This positions AirAsia as the first airline in the area to provide direct connections between Kuala Lumpur and Darwin. Additionally, AirAsia Indonesia celebrated its inaugural flight from Bali to Darwin on 22 March 2025, enhancing the Northern Territory’s ties with Asean.

Bo Lingam, Group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group said: “In 2025, as we return to full capacity, we’ll be balancing growth with profitability. Our network strategy will prioritise strategic, demand-driven connectivity across Asia. With over 30 new routes and increased frequencies on our most popular services, we are responding directly to market demand and Fly-Thru opportunities. Our Fly-Thru traffic grew to 4.3 million in 2024, and we are targeting over seven million Fly-Thru guests this year, accounting for approximately 10% of total passengers. This growth supported by the reactivation of 16 aircraft and the delivery of 14 new aircraft in 2025 will form the backbone of our sustainable expansion plans. 

“Our mega hubs in Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Bangkok-Don Mueang (DMK) will continue to anchor Fly-Thru growth, currently handling 95% of Fly-Thru traffic. At the same time, we will expand other 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.”

This year, the airline anticipates operating 234 narrowbody aircraft within its five short-haul airlines, fully restoring pre-pandemic capacity. Just 16 aircraft still need reactivation, and 14 new aircraft deliveries are scheduled for 2025, comprising four from Airbus and ten from lessors.

AirAsia is dedicated to developing major hubs and enhancing Fly-Thru services, which aligns with its goal of establishing a global low-cost network that connects ASEAN with the world and vice versa.