KLIA Rises to World’s 4th Most Connected Airport, Asia’s No.1 Megahub

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) has been ranked the world’s fourth most internationally connected airport and the highest in Asia, according to the latest OAG Megahubs 2025 report.

This achievement not only highlights KLIA’s role as a key global aviation gateway but also reinforces Kuala Lumpur’s position as a strategic hub for investment, tourism, and property growth.

Measuring Global Connectivity

The OAG Megahubs ranking evaluates airports worldwide based on the number of potential international connections passengers can make between inbound and outbound flights on their busiest travel day.

• KLIA secured 4th place globally, rising from 5th in 2015.

• This improvement reflects a 22% increase in destinations served over the past decade.

• KLIA also emerged as the world’s No.1 low-cost megahub, thanks largely to AirAsia, which operates 36% of flights from the airport.

KLIA’s rise showcases its ability to adapt to aviation shifts, expand its network, and serve as a vital hub for both legacy carriers and budget airlines.

Asia Pacific Leadership

In the Asia Pacific region, KLIA now stands at the top of the connectivity table:

1. KLIA (Malaysia) – Global Rank: 4

2. Incheon (Seoul, South Korea) – Global Rank: 6

3. Haneda (Tokyo, Japan) – Global Rank: 9

4. Changi (Singapore) – Global Rank: 11

5. Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok, Thailand) – Global Rank: 14

Notably, Tokyo Haneda dropped from 3rd in 2024 to 9th this year, while KLIA climbed steadily, affirming Malaysia’s aviation resilience.

Low-Cost Aviation: KLIA Leads the World

Asia Pacific continues to dominate the low-cost carrier segment:

• KLIA was named the world’s No.1 low-cost hub, driven by AirAsia’s global network.

• The region contributed 16 of the top 25 low-cost megahubs, underlining its leadership in affordable travel.

• Other key hubs: Incheon (2nd), Manila (3rd), Hong Kong (4th).

This balance between full-service airlines and budget carriers strengthens KLIA’s role as a gateway for both premium and mass-market travel, supporting diverse tourism and business flows.

Why KLIA’s Ranking Matters for Malaysia

1. Boost to Tourism & Hospitality

With more international connections, Malaysia becomes more accessible to global travelers. This translates into stronger demand for:

• Hotels and serviced residences.

• Short-term rentals and Airbnb units near KLCC, Bukit Bintang, and KL Sentral.

• Lifestyle retail and F&B businesses that cater to international tourists.

2. Stronger Appeal for Investors

For foreign property buyers under schemes like MM2H (Malaysia My Second Home), seamless air access is a top priority. KLIA’s ranking enhances Kuala Lumpur’s attractiveness compared to regional rivals.

3. Logistics & Industrial Growth

KLIA’s role as a cargo hub complements Malaysia’s rise as an industrial and e-commerce powerhouse, boosting demand for:

• Logistics hubs around KLIA Aeropolis.

• Warehousing in Klang Valley and Selangor.

• Industrial parks in Johor and Penang, which benefit from connectivity via KLIA.

4. Talent & Business Mobility

For multinational corporations (MNCs), easy international access is crucial when setting up regional headquarters. KLIA’s megahub status reinforces Kuala Lumpur’s competitiveness against Singapore, Bangkok, and Jakarta.

Connectivity and the KL Property Market

The property market in Greater Kuala Lumpur stands to benefit directly from KLIA’s global prominence.

• Residential demand: Expats and global investors prefer transit-connected developments in KLCC, Mont Kiara, Bangsar, and TRX fringe areas.

• Commercial demand: Grade A offices in KLCC, TRX, and KL Sentral attract firms that rely on international connectivity.

• Transit-Oriented Developments (TODs): Properties linked to MRT, LRT, and ERL (express rail to KLIA) see capital appreciation and stronger rental yields.

• KLIA Aeropolis: Planned as an integrated aerospace, logistics, and leisure hub, the surrounding property market is set to grow with the airport’s rising global stature.

Long-Term Outlook

KLIA’s rise in the OAG rankings signals more than just aviation success. It is a reflection of Malaysia’s strategic role in global trade and travel networks.

As the airport strengthens its connectivity:

• International investments in property, industry, and tourism will accelerate.

• Kuala Lumpur’s positioning as a cost-effective yet globally connected city will become even more compelling.

• Malaysia will reinforce its role as a gateway to Southeast Asia — a middle ground between the affordability of emerging markets and the sophistication of advanced hubs like Singapore.

Conclusion

Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s leap to 4th place globally and 1st in Asia in the OAG Megahubs 2025 report is a proud milestone for Malaysia.

This recognition cements KLIA’s role as not only a world-class aviation hub but also a catalyst for property, business, and tourism growth in Kuala Lumpur and beyond.

For investors and homebuyers, the message is clear: Malaysia’s connectivity advantage will continue to support long-term property value, rental demand, and investment confidence.

In other words, KL property is not just about real estate — it’s about being part of one of the most connected cities in the world.