North Asia and Europe demand lifts Changi traffic, offsetting Middle East decline

The airport welcomed 17.6 million passengers in the first quarter.

Changi Airport Group recorded 17.6 million passenger movements in the first quarter (Q1), up 2.3% year on year (YoY), as growth in North Asia and Europe offset a sharp decline in Middle East traffic.

In a press release, the group said aircraft movements totalled 95,300 in the quarter, up 1.4% YoY. Passenger traffic between Singapore and the Middle East fell 80% YoY in March following geopolitical disruptions.

Airlines added around 90 extra flights during the month, including services to Frankfurt, London, Munich, Muscat, Paris, Perth, and Sydney.

Traffic growth was driven by demand to and from North Asia and Europe. China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, and India were the airport’s top five markets in Q1 2026.

Vietnam and China recorded the strongest growth amongst the top 10 markets, rising 26.5% and 17.7% YoY, respectively.

Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta, Tokyo, and Hong Kong were the top city links for the quarter. Shanghai, Taipei, and Tokyo recorded the strongest growth amongst the busiest routes.

Passenger traffic for the 12 months to March 2026 rose 2.9% YoY to 70.4 million, marking the highest 12-month total recorded at Changi Airport.

Air cargo throughput reached 517,000 tonnes in Q1 2026, up 7.6% YoY, with growth in both exports and imports.

China, the United States, Australia, Hong Kong, and India were the top five air cargo markets for the quarter.

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Changi Airport Group

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