Changi says pax traffic grew year-on-year in Q1

Singapore’s Changi Airport registered 17.6 million passenger movements from January to March 2026 (Q1), a 2.3% increase year-on-year. Aircraft movements, comprising landings and take-offs, totalled 95,300 for the quarter, up 1.4% compared to the same period last year. Passenger traffic for the quarter was driven by strong demand to and from North Asia and Europe, underpinning growth despite impact from the Middle East geopolitical situation. In March 2026, passenger traffic between Singapore and the Middle East fell 80% year-on-year. Passenger traffic for the 12 months ended March 2026 rose 2.9% year-on-year to 70.4 million, the highest recorded traffic at Changi over a 12-month period. Changi Airport’s top five markets for the first quarter were China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia and India. Vietnam and China posted the strongest growth, among Changi’s top 10 markets, rising 26.5% and 17.7% on-year respectively. The top five city links for the quarter were Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta, Tokyo and Hong Kong, while Shanghai, Taipei and Tokyo registered the strongest growth among the 10 busiest routes. In the first quarter of this year, Changi Airport handled 517,000 tonnes of airfreight throughput, 7.6% higher than the same period last year. Amid global trade uncertainties, Changi recorded growth for both exports and imports compared to Q1 2025. Changi’s top five air cargo markets for the quarter were China, United States of America, Australia, Hong Kong and India. Mr Lim Ching Kiat, Changi Airport Group’s Executive Vice President for Air Hub and Cargo Development said, “Travel demand in the quarter remained strong, bolstered by growth in North Asia and Europe. While there was some impact from the Middle East crisis, we were resilient and worked closely with our airline partners in response to evolving passenger demand and shifts in travel patterns.” In March, amid flight cancellations on Middle Eastern routes, various airlines launched about 90 additional flights between Singapore and cities such as Frankfurt, London, Munich, Muscat, Paris, Perth and Sydney. “We will continue to monitor the global geopolitical situation and work with airlines to provide passengers with alternatives across our diversified network,” added Mr Lim. Travellers can look forward to more options across the region and beyond, as Changi Airport continued to expand its city links with new services in the first quarter. Scoot commenced five weekly flights to Chiang Rai and four weekly flights to Palembang, strengthening Changi’s connectivity in Southeast Asia. Jetstar Airways launched new routes to Australia, with three weekly flights to Sunshine Coast and four weekly flights to Newcastle (both via Bali), bringing Changi Airport’s links to Australia to a record nine cities. On the air cargo front, Changi Airport welcomed Qantas Freight as a new freighter operator earlier this month, with twice-weekly Sydney–Shanghai–Singapore–Sydney services. The new service boosts capacity and offers new flight options for shippers across Asia, Australia, Europe and beyond. CAG, PPG to operate new private terminal A new premium gateway is taking shape at Changi Airport. Changi Airport Group (CAG) has started work on redeveloping the former Commercially Important Persons (CIP) terminal site into a vibrant travel and lifestyle destination, featuring an enhanced private terminal and a new amenities cluster linked to the existing Hub & Spoke. Strategically located at the southern node of Terminal 2, the development will transform Changi’s premium travel experience when it opens in mid-2027. The new private terminal to replace the CIP terminal will be jointly operated by CAG and Plaza Premium Group (PPG). PPG is the global leader in integrated airport hospitality and passenger service solutions, operating the largest network of airport lounges worldwide and delivering a 360-degree airport hospitality experience. Offering a fully personalised journey at every touchpoint, passengers using this terminal will be able to rest and recharge in an exclusive space, before being facilitated for their flight. There will be smooth transfers to boarding gates and convenient access to Changi’s world-class shopping. The private terminal will feature a deluxe lounge, bar, private suites and bespoke dining, blending sophistication with understated elegance. It will also feature a versatile, high-end event space designed for larger entourages and private gatherings, where discretion, scale and elevated design come together seamlessly. Ang Siew Min, CAG’s Senior Vice President, Airport Operations Development and Airport Operations Services, said, “Some of today’s travellers seek more than just a comfortable place to spend time before their flight — they are after a personalised premium experience. CAG is meeting this demand with an upgraded private terminal that delivers an exceptional experience. In addition, a curated selection of dining and wellness offerings awaits just steps from the private terminal, further enriching the suite of options available to our passengers.” “As we join hands with CAG on the development and operations of this pioneering private terminal, PPG is committed to delivering a consistently elevated end-to-end experience for premium travellers at Changi Airport. By bringing together our global expertise in airport hospitality with Changi’s renowned operational excellence, we will offer a new benchmark in personalised, seamless and bespoke services for our discerning guests,” stated Ms Mei Mei Song, PPG’s Chief Transformation Officer. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Sally Passey at [email protected]