Changi Airport Passenger Traffic Hits Record 70.4 Million Despite Middle East Travel Slump
Passenger traffic at Changi Airport rose to a record 70.4 million movements in the 12 months ended March 2026, marking a 2.9% year-on-year (YoY) increase even as geopolitical tensions sharply disrupted Middle East travel routes.
CNA reported that the record performance, announced by Changi Airport Group (CAG) on April 17, was driven by robust demand from North Asia and Europe, offsetting an 80% plunge in Singapore-Middle East passenger traffic in March following conflict escalation in Iran.
For the January-March quarter alone, Changi handled 17.6 million passenger movements, up 2.3% YoY, supported by strong regional connectivity and additional flight capacity introduced by airlines to key European and Australasian cities.
Despite disruptions, airlines rapidly adjusted operations, with around 90 additional flights added in March to destinations including Frankfurt, London, Munich, Paris, Perth and Sydney, helping cushion the impact of route cancellations in the Middle East corridor.
Changi’s recovery momentum was broad-based across markets, with Vietnam and China posting the strongest growth among its top 10 markets, rising 26.5% and 17.7% respectively. Aircraft movements also climbed 1.4% in the quarter to 95,300 take-offs and landings.
Cargo operations provided further support, with airfreight throughput rising 7.6% YoY to 517,000 tonnes, underpinned by stronger export and import flows amid global trade uncertainty.
The airport also continued to expand its network, adding new routes to Chiang Rai and Palembang via Scoot, while Jetstar Airways launched services to Australia’s Sunshine Coast and Newcastle via Bali, lifting Changi’s Australian city links to a record nine.
“Travel demand remained strong, bolstered by growth in North Asia and Europe,” said CAG executive vice president Lim Ching Kiat, adding that the airport will continue working closely with airline partners to adapt to shifting global conditions.
