Passenger Numbers Continue to Rise as Recovery Gains Momentum
SINGAPORE: By the end of April, passenger traffic at Changi Airport reached nearly 40 per cent of its pre-pandemic levels, marking a significant increase from March’s 18 per cent. Transport Minister S. Iswaran confirmed this rise, predicting further growth in the coming months as both flights and passengers gradually return.
Speaking at the Changi Airline Awards, which was held in-person for the first time after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, Mr Iswaran highlighted that Singapore’s full reopening to vaccinated travellers was a major milestone in the country’s recovery journey. The reopening aims to restore Changi Airport’s passenger numbers to at least 50 per cent of pre-pandemic figures by the end of the year.
“This is a crucial step in reconnecting Singapore with the world, a necessity for a small and open city-state like ours,” said Mr Iswaran. However, he also acknowledged the challenges faced by airports globally in ramping up operations, emphasising the magnitude of the task.
Collaboration among aviation stakeholders, including Changi Airport Group, airlines, and ground handlers, has been key in ensuring smooth operations. Mr Iswaran expressed confidence in the efforts of aviation partners and reassured them of the government’s full support, confident that they will restore the seamless experience that Changi is known for.
The government’s commitment to Changi’s recovery includes implementing wage and training support for workers, cost relief measures for airlines, and a boost in digitalisation and automation. This investment has been crucial in preventing long-term economic damage and helping the sector rebound swiftly.
Looking beyond immediate recovery, Mr Iswaran stressed the need for Changi to not only restore previous connections but to expand its network, strengthen schedules, and forge new airline partnerships. The recent addition of two new city links to Vancouver and Bahrain, as well as the inclusion of seven new airlines, reflects this expansion.
As of May 1, 82 airlines are operating over 3,300 weekly scheduled flights from Changi, connecting Singapore to 125 cities in 47 countries and territories. To ensure continued growth, Changi is also focusing on enhancing its cargo operations, with volumes remaining strong and new partnerships with major freight operators like DHL Express and FedEx.
“We will continue to work with the air cargo community to foster new growth opportunities and drive digital transformation,” concluded Mr Iswaran, optimistic about Changi’s future despite ongoing global supply chain challenges.
