Bangkok Airways joins forces with Virgin Australia, Azerbaijan Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, RwandAir, and Royal Air Maroc—igniting a powerful shift in short-haul travel. This unexpected alliance signals something big. Regional tourism isn’t just rebounding—it’s transforming fast. As these airlines reshape routes, elevate service, and expand regional footprints, the global travel landscape begins to tilt. Bangkok Airways takes the lead, but Virgin Australia isn’t far behind. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan, Hong Kong Airlines, RwandAir, and Royal Air Maroc are powering through untapped markets and hidden gems.

Short-haul travel is no longer second-tier. It’s a frontline force. Every move by these carriers now shapes how—and where—travelers fly next. What triggered this sudden push? Why are regional airlines stepping into the spotlight?

Something thrilling is unfolding across the skies. The rise of regional tourism is real, and these six airlines are the ones to watch. Their strategy is bold. Their timing? Perfect.

In a world increasingly focused on ultra-long-haul flights and flashy international hubs, regional airlines have quietly staged a powerful comeback in 2025. These agile, often-overlooked carriers are redefining short-haul travel across continents.

While mega-airlines battle slot constraints and geopolitical airspace shifts, regional carriers are becoming the unsung heroes of global tourism recovery. This year, ten airlines have soared above the rest—delivering not only seamless connectivity but unforgettable service, local flavor, and unmatched convenience.

From Asia to Africa, North America to Europe, here are the world’s top regional airlines of 2025, and why they matter more than ever.

Bangkok Airways: Asia’s Boutique Sky Pioneer

Bangkok Airways continues to impress with its premium feel and deeply localized experience. The Thai carrier blends full-service luxury with regional pricing—offering passengers more than just a flight.

Operating routes across Thailand and Southeast Asia, Bangkok Airways plays a vital role in regional connectivity, especially to tourism-heavy locations like Koh Samui and Siem Reap. As global travelers increasingly seek culturally immersive experiences, this carrier stands out with its unique in-flight service and local hospitality.

Virgin Australia: Reclaiming the Skies Down Under

After its well-publicized restructuring, Virgin Australia is back—and stronger than ever. In 2025, it’s not just flying; it’s thriving.

By focusing on domestic and regional routes within Australia and nearby Pacific nations, the airline has won back traveler trust. It has sharpened its pricing, improved onboard experience, and delivered exceptional reliability. Virgin’s resurgence underscores a major shift: regional loyalty now trumps global flashiness for many fliers.

Porter Airlines: Canada’s Charming Game-Changer

Flying out of Toronto’s city-center airport, Porter Airlines makes short-haul travel both stylish and efficient.

Its turbo-prop fleet services key regional Canadian destinations and U.S. cities, making it a business and leisure favorite. With free onboard Wi-Fi and refreshments, Porter brings back the glamour of flying without inflating prices. As Canada’s domestic tourism booms in 2025, Porter remains a crucial player.

Aegean Airlines: The Greek Gateway to Europe

Aegean Airlines has mastered the art of blending regional convenience with Mediterranean warmth. As Greece enjoys a surge in tourism, Aegean has scaled its network smartly, linking smaller islands and cities to larger European hubs.

In 2025, Aegean is more than just a connector—it’s a critical pillar supporting Greece’s decentralized travel model. Its reputation for punctuality and service keeps both locals and international tourists coming back.

Azerbaijan Airlines: A Central Asian Star Rises

Emerging as a new favorite in Central Asia, Azerbaijan Airlines has carved out a stronghold between Europe and Asia.

Its regional fleet has opened up new business corridors and tourism opportunities across the Caucasus. As geopolitical rebalancing shifts travel demand eastward, Azerbaijan Airlines stands as a gateway carrier for a rising regional market.

jetBlue Airways: U.S. Regional Comfort Reimagined

Known for its low fares and high comfort, jetBlue’s regional operations in the U.S. have won hearts again in 2025.

With expanded services across the East Coast and Caribbean, jetBlue has invested heavily in modern cabins, better legroom, and free streaming options—making it a top choice for short-distance travel. Its loyal customer base reflects a growing demand for comfort over status in domestic flying.

Alaska Airlines: Dominating the U.S. West with Precision

Alaska Airlines continues to own the skies across the western United States.

In 2025, its regional dominance includes key markets from California to Alaska and beyond, with a robust network connecting underserved airports. Alaska’s efficient operations, environmental focus, and loyalty program enhancements ensure it remains a staple in North American air travel.

Hong Kong Airlines: Resilient, Regional, and Rising Again

Despite pandemic challenges, Hong Kong Airlines has refocused its strategy around regional growth—and it’s paying off.

Serving critical routes into mainland China and Southeast Asia, the carrier is a vital link for both business and leisure travelers. In 2025, its recovery story stands as a testament to adaptability and regional relevance, especially as demand spikes for intra-Asia mobility.

RwandAir: Africa’s Emerging Regional Powerhouse

RwandAir is making headlines across Africa with its sharp network strategy and customer-centric services.

It has become a preferred option for flying between East, West, and Central African cities—connecting economies and driving tourism like never before. In 2025, RwandAir exemplifies Africa’s untapped regional aviation potential, and stakeholders across the continent are taking notes.

Royal Air Maroc: North Africa’s Vital Connector

Royal Air Maroc has mastered the balance of long-haul ambition and short-haul necessity. While it continues to build international prestige, its regional services remain its backbone.

Serving cities across Morocco and North Africa, the airline enables regional tourism, business, and cultural exchange. As North African economies integrate further, Royal Air Maroc is uniquely positioned to drive growth from the skies.

Why Regional Airlines Matter More in 2025

Short-haul travel is no longer a secondary player. In 2025, regional airlines are powering recovery, enabling decentralization, and restoring confidence in flying.

They reach where global giants can’t. They connect communities that have long been overlooked. And they deliver value in every seat.

Tourism authorities are increasingly partnering with these airlines to drive footfall to emerging destinations. Infrastructure investment, digital booking integrations, and targeted loyalty perks have elevated regional carriers from niche to essential.

In fact, travel behavior has shifted. Travelers prefer frequent, affordable, and culturally immersive experiences. And that’s exactly what the world’s top regional airlines are now built to deliver.

The Future Is Local—and in the Air

Regional airlines are no longer shadows of global carriers. They are trailblazers in comfort, innovation, and access. As aviation adjusts to new travel trends, the skies are clearing for these homegrown champions.

From Asia’s tropical runways to Africa’s rising aviation corridors, the best regional airlines of 2025 aren’t just moving passengers—they’re transforming how the world travels, one short-haul at a time.