Singapore Changi Airport Passengers Increase, Routes to Jakarta Remain Busy as Middle East Shrinks

JAKARTA - Singapore's Changi Airport served around 17.6 million passengers in the first quarter of 2026, up 2.3 percent from the same period last year. According to The Straits Times quoted Friday, April 17, the increase occurred even though passenger traffic between Singapore and the Middle East in March fell 80 percent due to disruptions and flight cancellations related to the Iran war.

In the 12-month period to March 2026, Changi's passenger traffic reached 70.4 million, up 2.9 percent year-on-year and the highest for the 12-month period. As reported by The Straits Times, airlines responded to the situation by opening about 90 additional flights from Singapore to other cities such as Frankfurt, London, Munich, Muscat, Paris, Perth, and Sydney.

Changi Airport Group recorded aircraft movements, including landings and takeoffs, reaching 95,300 in January-March, up 1.4 percent from a year earlier. Travel demand in the first quarter remained supported by strong traffic to and from North Asia and Europe.

The five largest markets of Changi in the period were China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, and India. Of the 10 largest markets, Vietnam and China recorded the fastest growth, up 26.5 percent and 17.7 percent, respectively.

The busiest routes during the first quarter were Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. Indonesia remains in the top five markets of Changi, while Jakarta is still listed in the busiest route list.

Of the 10 busiest routes, routes to Shanghai, Taipei, and Tokyo recorded the strongest growth. Changi also added route options that are in direct contact with Indonesia. In Southeast Asia, Scoot opened four weekly flights to Palembang, in addition to five weekly flights to Chiang Rai, Thailand.

Meanwhile, Jetstar Airways added services to Sunshine Coast and Newcastle via Bali, bringing Changi's connections to Australia to nine cities. CAG's executive vice president for aviation centers and cargo development, Lim Ching Kiat, said travel demand remained strong, supported by growth in North Asia and Europe.

Although the Middle East crisis has impacted some markets, CAG, said Lim Ching Kiat, is still working closely with airlines to respond to changes in demand and travel patterns. Throughout 2025, Changi recorded a record 69.98 million passengers, surpassing the 68.3 million achieved in 2019.

In the first quarter of 2026, the airport also handled 517,000 tons of air cargo, up 7.6 percent. The five largest cargo markets from January to March were China, the United States, Australia, Hong Kong, and India.