5 Popular Mid Size Airlines in Asia (2026)

One of the most common questions expats and local travellers ask when booking non big airlines in Asia is :

Here is an updated 2026 AsiaXPAT guide to five popular midsize airlines in Asia, starting with Hong Kong. See information on aircraft size, flight times, ownership, and importantly what to expect when it comes to meals and drinks.

Owned by: Cathay Pacific Group
Hub: Hong Kong (HKG)
Aircraft: Airbus A320 / A321neo (up to about 220 passengers)

HK Express is a favourite for Hong Kong expats heading to Japan, Korea and Thailand.

Not included in base fare
Buy‑on‑board menu available

Expect:

Quality: Decent for low‑cost airline food. More convenient and filling rather than gourmet. Pre‑ordering meals online may sometimes give better options and pricing.

Clean, modern, efficient, not luxurious. Bring your own water bottle (empty through security).

Independent Hong Kong carrier
Aircraft: Boeing 737‑800 (up to about 189 passengers)

A newer airline with popularity increasing among Hong Kong travellers.

🔄 Depends on fare type

On many regional routes:

Quality: Simple but respectable. More traditional airline snack box than ultra‑budget instant noodles.

Feels more like a conventional airline than a bare‑bones.  A bit calmer and less transactional.

Owned by: Singapore Airlines Group
Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner (up to about 375 passengers)

Scoot is especially popular for longer flights from Asia to Australia or India.

 Not included in basic economy
  Pre‑purchase meals online
  ScootPlus includes meals

Menu options often include:

Quality: Food generally considered  good for a low‑cost carrier, especially on long‑haul Dreamliner flights. Pre‑ordering is available.

ScootPlus passengers receive:

The Dreamliner cabin is more comfortable on long flights. 

Independent airline group
Aircraft: Airbus A320 / A321 / A330 (A330 holds up to ~377 passengers)

AirAsia remains one of Southeast Asia’s most widely used budget airlines.

Not included in base fare
 Pre‑book Santan meals

The Santan menu is one of the stronger low‑cost offerings in Asia:

Quality: Consistently of good quality. Nasi lemak is a frequent traveller favourite.

Premium Flatbed passengers receive:
  Included meals
 Complimentary drinks

Energetic, fast‑turnaround airline. Functional rather than relaxing but very efficient.

Major shareholder: ANA Holdings
Aircraft: Airbus A320 / A321 (up to about 220 passengers)

Peach is popular for travel within Japan and short regional hops.

 Not included
 Buy‑on‑board menu

Options often include:

Quality: Neat, well‑presented. Not extensive, but reliable.

Quiet, orderly and punctual.

 | Airline | Meals Included? | Food Quality | Aircraft (Max Pax) | Popular Route | Flight Time | Premium Option | HK Express | No | Decent, simple Asian meals | A321 | HK–Tokyo | ~4.5 hrs | No
| Greater Bay | Sometimes | Light snack, traditional style | B737‑800  | HK–Bangkok | ~3 hrs | No
| Scoot | No (Yes in ScootPlus) | Good for long‑haul LCC | B787  | SIN–Sydney | ~8 hrs | ScootPlus
| AirAsia | No (Yes in Premium Flatbed) | Strong regional dishes | A330 | KUL–Sydney | ~8 hrs | Premium Flatbed
| Peach | No | Simple Japanese meals | A321  | Osaka–Seoul | ~1.5 hrs | No

If you’re flying under 2 hours, you may not need to pre‑order a meal.
 If you’re flying 4+ hours, especially overnight, pre‑ordering food may make a difference.

Low cost airlines in Asia are modern and efficient, but note however, that food and baggage are frequently add‑ons unless you purchase premium fare bundles.

For expats  and local residents who travel frequently, joining airline mailing lists often means flash sale alerts especially for Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia routes.