Singapore Changi Airport Sees 3.1% Surge In Passenger Traffic Amid Robust Asian Travel Demand In Q3 2025
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Between July and September 2025, Singapore Changi Airport experienced a 3.1% year-on-year increase in passenger movement, handling approximately 17.3 million passengers. The number of aircraft movements, encompassing takeoffs and landings, remained fairly consistent with the same quarter of the previous year, totaling 91,600.
Leading Markets
The primary markets for Changi Airport during this period were China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, and India. Among the top 10 markets, China and Vietnam displayed the most substantial growth, at 9.7% and 11.3% respectively. The leading city connections for the quarter were Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Bangkok, Denpasar (Bali), and Shanghai. Notably, the Singapore–Jakarta route exhibited double-digit growth.
Airfreight Throughput
During the third quarter, Changi Airport recorded an airfreight throughput of 531,000 tons. This figure represents a 3.7% increase year-on-year. Despite ongoing global trade uncertainties, air trade at Changi grew, with imports showing substantial growth of 10% compared to 2024 levels. The main air cargo markets for the quarter were China, the United States, Australia, Hong Kong, and India.
Executive Remarks
Executive Vice President for Air Hub and Cargo Development at Changi Airport Group, Mr. Lim Ching Kiat, stated that Changi Airport continues to capitalize on the positive travel demand this quarter, especially on Asian routes. The airport is extending its network with new airlines and destinations, which further enhance Changi’s regional connectivity. The airport is preparing for the year-end travel season, promising greater convenience and additional ways for travelers to explore both new and familiar destinations.
New Services
On 11 August, new Indonesian airline Pelita Air began operations at Changi Airport, offering daily flights between Singapore and Jakarta. This development expands Changi’s network to include about 100 airlines. New city links have been added to Changi’s network with the launch of Hainan Airlines’ four-times-weekly Singapore–Haikou–Changchun service on 22 September, and Loong Air’s three-times-weekly flights to Zhangjiajie on 9 October. Lion Group affiliate Batik Air Malaysia will begin new daily flights to Ipoh, Penang, and Subang from 8 December 2025 to accommodate the group’s growth and increasing regional travel demand.
“Despite ongoing global trade uncertainties, air trade at Changi grew, with imports showing substantial growth of 10% compared to 2024 levels.”
In addition, Scoot has introduced new routes to four Indonesian cities – Labuan Bajo, Medan, Palembang, and Semarang – providing travelers with more travel options across the archipelago.
On the air cargo front, Changi Airport welcomed JD Airlines’ thrice-weekly Shenzhen freighter services, providing more shipping options for Southeast Asia and China.
As of 1 October, approximately 100 airlines operate around 7,000 scheduled weekly flights at Changi Airport, linking Singapore to over 160 cities in 50 countries and territories worldwide.
Questions & Answers
**What were the leading markets for Singapore Changi Airport in Q3 2025?**
The top five markets for Changi Airport during the third quarter of 2025 were China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, and India.
**What was the total airfreight throughput at Changi Airport in Q3 2025?**
In the third quarter of 2025, Changi Airport recorded an airfreight throughput of 531,000 tonnes.
**Which new airlines began operations at Changi Airport during this period?**
New Indonesian carrier Pelita Air began operations at Changi Airport on 11 August, and Hainan Airlines and Loong Air introduced new city links in September and October respectively.
Questions & Answers
Q.How did the number of aircraft movements compare to the previous year in Q3 2025?
How did the number of aircraft movements compare to the previous year in Q3 2025?
The total number of aircraft movements, including takeoffs and landings, remained fairly consistent at 91,600 compared to the same quarter of the previous year. This indicates stable flight operations despite increased passenger traffic.
Q.Which specific routes showed notable growth during the third quarter of 2025?
Which specific routes showed notable growth during the third quarter of 2025?
Among the top 10 markets, China and Vietnam showed the most substantial growth. The Singapore, Jakarta route notably exhibited double-digit growth, highlighting strong demand on this connection.
Q.What is the current network reach of Changi Airport as of 1 October?
What is the current network reach of Changi Airport as of 1 October?
As of 1 October, approximately 100 airlines operate around 7,000 scheduled weekly flights at Changi Airport. This links Singapore to over 160 cities in 50 countries and territories worldwide, showing extensive global connectivity.
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