9 Cheapest Airports in Asia for International Travelers on a Budget
18 min
Oct 8, 2025
The 9 cheapest airports in Asia are Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Don Mueang Bangkok (DMK), KLIA2 Kuala Lumpur, Manila Ninoy Aquino (MNL), Clark International (CRK), Chiang Mai (CNX), Kansai Osaka (KIX), Incheon Seoul (ICN), and Indira Gandhi New Delhi (DEL). These hubs are ideal for budget travelers, thanks to low airport taxes, dedicated low-cost terminals, and intense competition from airlines such as AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, IndiGo, and Peach Aviation.
Asia has a ton of cool stuff to do and see, and you won’t have to spend a lot of money to enjoy it. The airport you choose can have a big effect on your budget. Choosing the right airport and using budget airlines can save you hundreds of dollars on international flights. For example, Kuala Lumpur International Airport has some of the lowest airport taxes in Asia. Don Mueang Airport in Bangkok serves as a hub for several low-cost airlines, offering the lowest fares in the region.
The budget airline revolution has made travel in Asia more accessible for people. Travelers from all over the world can afford to visit a wide range of places thanks to modern low-cost airlines that fly out of key hubs. Knowing which airports offer the best prices and connections can help you maximize your travel budget while exploring everything Asia has to offer.
The main point is, planning your Asian journey strategically helps you leverage the continent's most affordable airports and budget-friendly carriers for maximum savings. Let's see all the details you should know:
What Makes an Airport "Budget-Friendly"
Budget-friendly airports offer several features that reduce the overall cost of travel. Low airport taxes and fees make tickets more affordable from the start. Passengers get these savings, which makes flights much cheaper than similar routes that go through costly hubs.
Strategic locations that serve major low-cost carrier hubs have extensive networks of budget airlines. AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, and IndiGo are some of the airlines that fly the most to airports with low prices on many routes. Prices go even lower because many low-cost airlines compete with each other at these hubs.
Lower fees are due to better operations and lower infrastructure costs at secondary airports. Some big cities have more than one airport. Secondary airports charge less than main international hubs, but they still have outstanding services and connections.
Regional Cost Differences
Airport expenses in Asia vary widely from one location to another. Due to lower operating costs and the presence of budget airlines in competitive markets, airports in Southeast Asia typically offer the best deals. Countries like Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines prioritize tourism and keep their airports affordable. Airports in Japan and South Korea, located in East Asia, tend to be more expensive; however, there are still cheaper options available. Low-cost carriers fly to secondary cities and airports that are less expensive to reach than main hubs, such as Tokyo Narita or Hong Kong. Airports in South Asia, particularly in India and Nepal, offer low costs and numerous connections. India's vast domestic market supports countless low-cost airlines, which in turn keep prices low on international routes as well.
Note: Before delving into details about Asia, if you're interested in budget travel in Europe, check out the list of thecheapest flights from Toronto to Europe for valuable transatlantic travel tips.
Listen to our story for the best Hacks:
Top 9 Cheapest Airports in Asia:
Below are airports that always have the lowest prices for international travelers, while still providing exemplary service and connections. We break down the details to the most critical point you should know for the best selection, starting from Malaysia at the top of the list:
1. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) - Malaysia
Why it tops the list: Lowest airport taxes and fuel costs in the region make KUL one of Asia's most affordable entry points
Hub for: AirAsia (Southeast Asia's largest low-cost carrier), Malaysia Airlines
Best for:
Connecting flights throughout Southeast Asia
Starting point for multi-country Asian trips
Regional budget airline connections
Average savings: Typically 20-30% cheaper than other regional hubs
Pro tip: KUL serves as AirAsia's central hub, offering the most extensive budget route network in Southeast Asia. Book connecting flights through AirAsia for seamless travel at minimal cost.
Airport facilities: Modern Terminal 2 (klia2) is dedicated to low-cost carriers, offering excellent amenities, shopping, and dining options for layovers.
2. Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) - Bangkok, Thailand
Why it's cheap: Dedicated budget airline terminal with significantly lower fees than Bangkok's main Suvarnabhumi Airport
Hub for: AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air, Thai AirAsia
Best for:
Budget travelers exploring Southeast Asia
Domestic Thai connections
Short-haul regional flights
Bonus: Bangkok has two airports: DMK for low-cost airlines and Suvarnabhumi (BKK) for full-service airlines, depending on what you need.
Pro tip: Don Mueang is closer to the center of Bangkok than Suvarnabhumi, which saves time and taxi fares. Train connections to the airport make it easy and cheap to get to the city.
What to know: It's an older facility than Suvarnabhumi, but it's well-kept and has all the necessary services. Great for travelers on a budget who want to save money rather than spend it.
3. Kuala Lumpur KLIA2 (Separate Terminal)
Special mention: KLIA2 serves as the dedicated low-cost carrier terminal at Kuala Lumpur airport, deserving separate recognition for budget travelers.
Why it matters: Purpose-built for budget operations with lower fees passed directly to passengers through cheaper tickets
Carriers: All AirAsia group airlines, other Asian low-cost carriers
Connectivity: Connected to the main KUL terminal via free shuttle train for easy transfers between budget and full-service flights
4. Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) - Philippines
Why it's affordable: Competitive market with multiple budget carriers and average round-trip international flights around $872
What to know: Four terminals serve different carriers—check which terminal your airline uses as they're not connected airside. Allow extra time for transfers between terminals.
Pro tip: Cebu Pacific frequently runs promotional sales offering exceptionally low fares. Subscribe to their newsletter for flash sale notifications.
5. Clark International Airport (CRK) - Philippines
Why it's cheap: Secondary airport north of Manila with lower operating costs and fees
Distance consideration: Located 80km north of Manila. Factor in ground transportation time and costs when comparing to MNL. Often still cheaper overall despite the distance.
Growing network: Expanding international routes make CRK increasingly viable as an alternative to Manila, offering significant savings.
6. Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) - Thailand
Why it's affordable: Northern Thailand's secondary international airport offers budget alternatives to Bangkok
Hub for: AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion Air
Best for:
Northern Thailand access
Avoiding Bangkok entirely
Regional budget flights to China, Singapore, Malaysia
Pro tip: Direct flights to other countries don't need a connection in Bangkok at all. Chiang Mai is a great place to start exploring Northern Thailand because it is so cheap.
Bonus: Smaller airport means faster processing and less hassle than Bangkok's busy hubs.
7. Kansai International Airport (KIX) - Osaka, Japan
Why it's Japan's budget option: Significantly more affordable than Tokyo airports with a strong low-cost carrier presence
Hub for: Peach Aviation, Jetstar Japan, Spring Airlines Japan
Best for:
Budget entry to Japan
Exploring Western Japan (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe)
Avoiding the expensive Tokyo entry
What makes it special: It was built on an artificial island and has great train connections to Osaka and Kyoto. Modern facilities with all the amenities you would expect from Japanese airports.
Pro tip: If you want to see more of Japan without having to return to the same place, consider flying into Kansai and out of Tokyo (or vice versa). Budget airlines make this plan possible.
8. Incheon International Airport (ICN) - Seoul, South Korea
Why it offers value: Competitive pricing on North Asian routes despite being a world-class hub
Hub for: Jeju Air, Jin Air, T'way Air, Korean Air, Asiana
Best for:
High-quality facilities at competitive prices
North Asian connections
Layovers with free city tours (5+ hours)
Special benefit: If you have a layover of more than 5 hours, you can take a free city tour and see Seoul without leaving the airport area. Outstanding airport facilities make long layovers comfortable.
Balance: ICN is not the cheapest airport, but it offers great value due to its affordable prices, top-notch services, and unique experiences.
9. Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) - New Delhi, India
Hub for: IndiGo (India's largest carrier), SpiceJet, Air India Express, Go First
Best for:
Gateway to South Asia
Domestic Indian connections
Exploring Northern India
Market advantage: India's large domestic market enables many low-cost carriers to operate. There is also good competition on international routes.
What to know: A big, modern airport with all the services you need. Terminal 3 efficiently handles international flights and offers good amenities.
At the end of introducing the airport for flight planning, the good news is that you can save even more if you bundle your flight with booking accommodation. PlanniGo can help you find the best hotel in different locations for every type of traveler.
Want to maximize your long-haul flight value? Check our comprehensive guide to the top cheapest airlines for long-haul flightsto combine budget Asian airports with affordable transoceanic carriers.
How to find the cheapest flights in Asia?
After all the above details, if you use some innovative strategies, you can get the most out of Asia's cheap airports and airlines. Here are some tips we've gathered from our years of experience in the travel industry:
The right time is everything: For the best prices, book international flights 2–3 months in advance. Asian budget airlines often offer flash sales, so consider signing up for their newsletters to stay informed.
Flexibility saves you money: The best prices are typically found on flights that depart on Tuesday through Thursday. Prices are better in the shoulder seasons (March to May and September to November) than in the peak seasons.
Strategic routing: Instead of round-trip tickets, think about buying tickets that go to more than one city. Flying into one city and out of another is often cheaper than returning to the same town. For example, you could fly into Bangkok, travel by land through Southeast Asia, and then leave from Singapore.
Hub strategy: Even if you aren't going to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, or Singapore, use them as connection points. Budget airlines are the most popular at these hubs, which gives them a pricing edge.
Positioning flights: Sometimes, it is cheaper to fly to a budget airline's hub first and then take their international flights, rather than flying directly from your hometown.
We discussed a budget-friendly airport for international travelers who want to visit Asia; now it's time to review the estimated cost, which provides a clear overview of the expenses associated with flying to Asia.
Regional Travel Costs and Planning
Being aware of hidden fees can be very helpful. Budget airlines charge for everything but the basic seat. Add up all the costs, including:
Checked baggage ($20-50 per bag)
Seat selection ($5-30)
Meals ($8-15)
Priority boarding ($10-20)
Ultimately, knowing the cost of getting to your destination will help you allocate your budget between flights and other expenses. The cheapest places to visit in Asia on a super budget (less than $30 a day):
Asia's low-cost airports have made it much easier for people to travel around the world. You can save hundreds of dollars on your trips to Asia by carefully choosing where you fly into and which airlines you use. Travelers of all budgets can afford to visit several countries, thanks to Kuala Lumpur's low airport taxes, Bangkok's dedicated budget terminals, and the region's numerous low-cost airlines. The airports and strategies listed here are proven and effective ways to keep flight costs low while still providing exemplary service and connectivity. Each destination has its own set of pros and cons that make it better for certain types of trips and preferences. Southeast Asia has the best budget infrastructure, and secondary airports in Japan, Korea, and India are cheaper options than primary hubs. Get started on booking a flight for your cheap trip to Asia right now. To save the most money, compare prices among different budget airlines, be flexible with your dates and routes, and use the continent's most affordable airports.
