Singapore’s hub outpaces regional competitors as international travel rebounds
Singapore’s Changi Airport ranked first among Asian airports for international passenger traffic in the second quarter of 2022, handling 7.3 million passengers from April to June. The data, compiled by Singapore-based consultancy Sobie Aviation and reported by the South China Morning Post, highlighted Changi’s strong recovery as borders reopened in the region.
Trailing Changi were Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Airport and Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, each serving 3.2 million passengers, followed by Seoul’s Incheon Airport with 2.9 million and Kuala Lumpur International Airport with 2.6 million.
Hong Kong International Airport, once a leading player in the aviation sector, fell drastically to approximately 30th place. Handling only 591,000 passengers over three months, the airport was eclipsed by smaller regional airports.
Changi Airport’s June Performance
In June alone, Changi Airport processed 2.93 million passengers, reaching 50% of its pre-pandemic levels. In stark contrast, Hong Kong International Airport handled just 295,000 passengers, representing a mere 5% of pre-Covid figures.
Shifts in Regional Travel Trends
Before the pandemic, Hong Kong Airport consistently ranked as Asia’s busiest for international passengers, handling 19.1 million travellers in Q2 2019. However, its stringent “dynamic-zero” Covid-19 policies, including on-arrival tests and mandatory quarantines, deterred travellers in 2022.
Other Asian nations, including Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines, lifted most Covid-19 restrictions by April 2022, facilitating a rapid rebound in international travel. In contrast, countries like mainland China and Hong Kong have struggled to attract visitors under ongoing pandemic-related protocols.
Global Perspective
Despite Changi’s success, Asia as a whole lags behind other regions in recovering international travel. In June 2022, international passenger demand across Asia reached just 30% of pre-pandemic levels, compared to 65-85% in parts of Europe and North America.
As restrictions continue to ease, Changi Airport remains well-positioned to strengthen its standing as a leading international hub in the region.
