Best Budget Airlines in Southeast Asia: 2025 Guide
AirHuntr Editorial
June 18, 2026
Once you arrive in Southeast Asia, a network of low-cost carriers makes it cheap and easy to hop between countries. Here's everything you need to know.
Once you arrive in Southeast Asia, a network of low-cost carriers makes it cheap and easy to hop between countries. Here's everything you need to know.
The Major Budget Airlines
AirAsia (Kuala Lumpur hub)
The largest low-cost carrier in Southeast Asia. Covers Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore, and beyond. Fares as low as MYR 9 (€2) during sales. Check airasia.com regularly.
Lion Air Group (Jakarta hub)
Covers Indonesia extensively plus regional routes to Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam. Very cheap but has had safety concerns in the past — do your research.
Citilink (Jakarta hub)
A subsidiary of Garuda Indonesia. Good option for Indonesia domestic routes. More reliable than Lion Air in general reputation.
Thai AirAsia / Thai Lion Air
Both serve Bangkok as a hub with routes across Thailand and neighbouring countries. Don Mueang airport is the budget hub.
Vietjet Air (Vietnam)
Vietnam's largest low-cost carrier. Good for domestic Vietnam routes and connections to Thailand, Japan, Korea. Known for promotional fares.
Cebu Pacific (Philippines)
The Philippines' largest low-cost carrier. Excellent for inter-island routes and connections to Japan, Korea, Singapore.
Scoot (Singapore)
Singapore Airlines' budget subsidiary. Flies from Singapore to Southeast Asia, Japan, Korea, India, and Australia. Good service standards for a low-cost carrier.
Batik Air Malaysia
The premium arm of Lion Air Group in Malaysia. Slightly better service than budget carriers.
Key Tips for Flying Budget in Southeast Asia
- Book direct — OTAs often add markup and complicate refunds
- Add baggage at booking — airport prices are 2–4x higher
- Check-in online — some carriers charge for airport check-in
- Download the app — AirAsia in particular has app-exclusive fares
- Be flexible on airports — Bangkok has BKK and DMK, both served by different carriers
Typical Route Prices (one-way, economy, budget carrier)
- Bangkok → Bali: MYR 150–300 (€30–€60) with AirAsia
- Singapore → Kuala Lumpur: SGD 30–80 (€20–€55)
- Kuala Lumpur → Ho Chi Minh City: MYR 80–180 (€16–€36)
- Bangkok → Chiang Mai: THB 400–900 (€10–€23)
- Manila → Cebu: PHP 800–1500 (€13–€25)
Safety Note
All airlines listed are members of IATA and operate to international safety standards. However, safety records and incident history vary — for peace of mind, check each airline on the AirlineRatings.com safety rating before booking.
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