The Top 10 Virtual Interlining Hubs to Watch in 2025
Introduction
The aviation industry is in a constant state of evolution, and virtual interlining has emerged as a game-changer. By enabling passengers to connect between airlines that don’t traditionally partner, virtual interlining opens up new opportunities for airports and airlines to optimize operations and boost connectivity. As we step into 2025, certain hubs are poised to lead the way in this space. This article highlights the top 10 virtual interlining hubs to watch, showcasing why they stand out and how they’re leveraging this innovative solution to redefine passenger journeys.
Top 10 Virtual Interlining Hubs
1. Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW): As Istanbul’s secondary airport, SAW is strategically positioned to handle increasing passenger volumes. Its efficient operations and growing network of routes and list of carriers make it a rising star in virtual interlining.
2. Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO): FCO serves as Italy’s primary international gateway, offering extensive connections across Europe and beyond. Its commitment to modernizing infrastructure and ADRs innovation efforts lead the way to connecting the growing share of LCCs with its list of full service carriers offering an extensive international route network.
3. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL): The biggest virtual interlining hub in Southeast Asia, mainly driven by AirAsia. KUL supports a diverse range of carriers and has enormous growth potential in terms of self-connecting traffic. Its focus on improving operational efficiency aligns well with virtual interlining strategies.
4. Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP): MXP is the biggest hub in Northern Italy, connecting travelers to both domestic and international destinations worldwide. Base of the biggest European LCCs and served by the major legacy international carriers, the airport offers unparalleled opportunities for self-connecting travellers. The airport has been one of the pioneers in understanding the potential of virtual interlining and developing solutions to support this traffic.
5. London Gatwick Airport (LGW): As one of London’s busiest airports, LGW stands out with its efficient handling of low-cost and full-service carriers. Its strategic location makes it an important player in virtual interlining. While currently LGW doesn't have an airport supported connecting program, as it used to have in the past, demand is rock solid.
6. Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN): Serving as a key gateway to Spain, BCN’s strong network of European and intercontinental flights positions it as a virtual interlining hub to watch. Next to strong LCC presence and having Vueling serving BCN as its main hub, lots of connectivity is provided and subsequently lots of travellers enjoy the transfer here.
7. Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD): Serving as a key link between Europe and Latin America, MAD’s strategic location and commitment to enhancing passenger connectivity position it as an important virtual interlining hub.
8. Athens International Airport (ATH): As a gateway to Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean, ATH benefits from a mix of legacy and low-cost carriers. Its focus on digital transformation supports virtual interlining growth.
9. Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH): A growing hub in the Middle East, AUH is leveraging its strategic location and new terminal facilities to strengthen its role in virtual interlining. In 2024 Abu Dhabi Airports was ranked as the fastest growing airport in the world in the category of > 25 million passengers.
10. Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD): BUD is an emerging player in Central Europe, offering efficient operations and expanding connections that cater to virtual interlining needs connecting Eastern Europe and Middle East towards Western Europe. With a strong LCC presence, numbers are growing steadily.
What Airsiders Offers?
At Airsiders, we specialize in enabling seamless virtual interlining solutions for airlines and airports. Our proprietary Check-thru service automatically transfers passengers’ baggage to their destination, eliminating the hassle of re-checking luggage during layovers. With a robust platform that integrates real-time data, advanced technology, and a focus on operational efficiency, we empower hubs to:
- Reduce connection times
- Improve passenger satisfaction
- Enhance operational performance
By partnering with Airsiders, hubs can transform their virtual interlining operations into a competitive advantage, providing a superior travel experience.
Get in Touch
Interested in elevating your hub’s virtual interlining capabilities? Airsiders can help you implement seamless Check-thru services and optimize your operations. Contact us today to learn how our innovative solutions can position your airport or airline as a leader in virtual interlining.
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