China is one of the world’s largest aviation markets, has witnessed a tremendous rise in low-cost airlines over the past two decades. With a growing middle class and increasing demand for air travel, budget carriers in China have transformed the travel landscape by providing affordable and efficient transportation across the country’s vast geography and beyond. These top 10 Low-cost airlines in China play a crucial role in connecting major economic centers such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou with regional cities and international destinations across Asia. Their presence not only boosts tourism and trade but also makes domestic travel accessible to millions of citizens who previously relied on rail or bus transport.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Overview of China’s Low-Cost Airline Market
- Top 10 Low-Cost Airlines in China and Their Main Airports
- Table: Airlines and Their Major Airports
- Importance of Low-Cost Airlines in China
- Characteristics of Chinese Budget Airlines
- Economic and Tourism Impact
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Overview of China’s Low-Cost Airline Market
The Chinese low-cost airline sector has grown rapidly due to deregulation, modernized fleets, and technological advancements. Carriers have adopted cost-efficient models that reduce expenses through direct online sales, limited onboard services, and increased aircraft utilization.
Airports like Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Beijing Daxing International Airport, and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport serve as key operational bases for these budget airlines. This strategic distribution ensures both domestic coverage and convenient access to international markets such as Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, and South Korea.
Top 10 Low-Cost Airlines in China and Their Main Airports
1. Spring Airlines – Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
Spring Airlines is China’s first and largest low-cost carrier, based in Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. Known for its efficiency and affordability, it serves both domestic and international destinations including Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
2. 9 Air – Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
9 Air, a subsidiary of Juneyao Airlines, operates mainly from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. It focuses on short-haul domestic routes and select Asian destinations, appealing to young travelers and budget-conscious passengers.
3. West Air – Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG)
West Air is a Chongqing-based low-cost carrier under the Hainan Airlines Group. Operating from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, it provides affordable flights across western and central China, as well as to Singapore and Thailand.
4. Lucky Air – Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG)
Lucky Air operates from Kunming Changshui International Airport, serving key destinations in Southeast Asia and China’s southwestern region. It’s known for offering competitive fares while maintaining reliable flight schedules.
5. China United Airlines – Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)
China United Airlines, a subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines, uses Beijing Daxing International Airport as its base. It offers low-cost services connecting the capital to regional cities across the nation.
6. Qingdao Airlines – Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport (TAO)
Operating from Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport, Qingdao Airlines is an emerging low-cost carrier offering routes across eastern China and select international destinations, with modern aircraft and efficient operations.
7. Jiuyuan Airlines (9 Air) – Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport (KWE)
Also known as 9 Air’s western branch, Jiuyuan Airlines operates from Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport, serving routes throughout China’s less-developed southwestern provinces.
8. Colorful Guizhou Airlines – Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport (KWE)
Colorful Guizhou Airlines focuses on connecting smaller Chinese cities to major hubs. From its base at Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport, it promotes tourism and economic growth in Guizhou Province.
9. China Express Airlines – Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG)
China Express Airlines, though operating on a hybrid model, offers low-cost regional flights from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport. It focuses on secondary cities and underserved routes.
10. Urumqi Air – Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC)
Urumqi Air serves as a vital low-cost carrier in China’s northwest region. Based at Urumqi Diwopu International Airport, it connects remote areas with China’s eastern and southern cities efficiently and affordably.
Top 10 Low-Cost Airlines in China and Their Airport Locations
| Rank | Airline | Main Airport |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spring Airlines | Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) |
| 2 | 9 Air | Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) |
| 3 | West Air | Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) |
| 4 | Lucky Air | Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG) |
| 5 | China United Airlines | Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) |
| 6 | Qingdao Airlines | Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport (TAO) |
| 7 | Jiuyuan Airlines | Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport (KWE) |
| 8 | Colorful Guizhou Airlines | Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport (KWE) |
| 9 | China Express Airlines | Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) |
| 10 | Urumqi Air | Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC) |
Importance of Low-Cost Airlines in China
Low-cost airlines have revolutionized China’s aviation industry by making air travel accessible to a broader population. With growing urbanization and disposable incomes, millions of first-time travelers now rely on these budget airlines for leisure and business trips.
Their contribution extends beyond affordability — they stimulate tourism, support regional economies, and improve transportation networks in previously underdeveloped areas. They also play an essential role in easing congestion at major hubs by operating from secondary airports.
Characteristics of Chinese Budget Airlines
- Low Operating Costs: Simplified ticketing, no-frills services, and quick turnaround times.
- Regional Connectivity: Focused on connecting smaller cities to major economic zones.
- Modern Fleet: Use of fuel-efficient Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircraft.
- Digital-First Approach: Emphasis on online booking, mobile apps, and e-boarding.
- Affordable Add-ons: Optional baggage, seat selection, and in-flight meals.
Economic and Tourism Impact
The emergence of low-cost carriers in China has stimulated both domestic and international tourism. Affordable airfares encourage more citizens to explore within the country while attracting international travelers seeking budget-friendly options to visit Chinese landmarks and cities.
From a business perspective, low-cost airlines have created thousands of jobs and driven competition in the aviation sector, prompting legacy airlines to adopt similar models for short-haul routes. The resulting increase in air connectivity has also strengthened China’s integration into the global travel network.
Conclusion – Top 10 Low-Cost Airlines in China
The rapid expansion of low-cost airlines in China has reshaped the country’s aviation landscape. Leading carriers such as Spring Airlines, 9 Air, and West Air have proven that affordable travel can coexist with safety, reliability, and convenience.
By serving both bustling metropolises and emerging regional cities, these airlines continue to make flying more accessible to the Chinese population while promoting economic growth and tourism. As the demand for affordable air travel increases, China’s budget airline sector is poised for even greater expansion in the coming years.
SEE ALSO: List of Airports in China: International and Domestic Airports
Frequently Asked Questions – Top 10 Low-Cost Airlines in China
Which is the largest low-cost airline in China?
Spring Airlines is the largest and most established low-cost carrier in China, operating from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. It connects major Chinese cities with international destinations across Asia while maintaining excellent service quality and reliability.
Do low-cost airlines in China operate international flights?
Yes, several budget airlines such as Spring Airlines, Lucky Air, and West Air operate international routes to Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, and South Korea. These airlines offer affordable fares, making cross-border travel accessible to a wider population.
Are low-cost airlines in China safe and reliable?
All Chinese low-cost airlines are regulated by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), ensuring strict compliance with international safety standards. They use modern aircraft and maintain strong operational safety records.
Which airport is the main hub for Spring Airlines?
Spring Airlines operates primarily from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). It also has a growing presence at Shanghai Pudong International Airport for selected international routes.
What’s the difference between a full-service and a low-cost airline in China?
Full-service airlines offer inclusive fares covering baggage and meals, while low-cost carriers separate these services for flexibility. This model allows passengers to choose and pay only for what they need, keeping ticket prices significantly lower.
Can foreign travelers book Chinese low-cost flights easily?
Yes, foreign travelers can conveniently book flights through the airlines’ official websites or travel apps. Most platforms support English and international payment methods for smooth booking.
Which low-cost airline focuses on western China?
West Air, based in Chongqing, and Urumqi Air in Xinjiang focus on western and inland China, linking remote regions to major cities and promoting regional connectivity.
Do budget airlines in China fly to Hong Kong or Macau?
Yes, some airlines like Spring Airlines and 9 Air offer direct routes to Hong Kong and Macau at competitive fares, supporting both tourism and business travel between these regions.
Which low-cost airline is best for travel to Southeast Asia?
Lucky Air and Spring Airlines provide multiple affordable routes from Kunming and Shanghai to destinations in Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore, making them ideal for Southeast Asia travel.
Do Chinese low-cost airlines offer loyalty programs?
Some budget airlines, like Spring Airlines, have loyalty or membership programs that allow passengers to accumulate points and access discounts on future bookings. These programs cater to frequent flyers seeking affordability and rewards.
How are low-cost airlines changing air travel in China?
Low-cost airlines have democratized air travel by offering cheap, frequent, and reliable services. They have encouraged millions of Chinese citizens to travel by air for the first time, transforming China into one of the most active aviation markets globally.