A regular report released on 17/4 by Changi Airport Group (CAG) stated that over the 12 months ending in March 2026, the airport served 70.4 million passengers, a 2.9% increase compared to the previous year. This figure marks the highest in Changi's operational history, surpassing its pre-Covid-19 record. Changi was recently honored by aviation organization Skytrax as the world's best airport for 2026. This marks the airport's second consecutive year in the top position, following a first-place ranking in 2025 and second place in 2024.

This achievement is notable as it occurred despite a significant drop in passenger traffic on Middle East routes. In Q1 alone, the airport welcomed 17.6 million passengers, a 2.3% increase from Q1 2025, with total aircraft movements reaching 95,300 flights. Demand from North Asian and European markets primarily drove this increase, effectively offsetting an 80% decline in passengers from the Middle East region, according to The Straits Times.

Addressing flight cancellations in the Middle East, Changi Airport Group (CAG) stated it collaborated with airlines to adjust schedules. In March, approximately 90 additional flights connected Singapore with cities such as Frankfurt, London, Munich, Paris, Perth, and Sydney, offering alternative options for passengers.

Artificial waterfall inside Changi Airport. Photo: Annice Lyn

Changi Airport Group (CAG) identified China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, and India as Changi Airport's five largest markets. The Vietnam market recorded the strongest growth at 26.5%, followed by China with nearly 18%. Regarding the route network, flights from Changi connecting to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta, Tokyo, and Hong Kong remained the busiest routes.

The flight network in Southeast Asia and Australia also expanded. Scoot introduced additional flights to Chiang Rai, Thailand, and Palembang, Indonesia. Jetstar Airways launched new routes to Sunshine Coast and Newcastle, Australia, increasing the total number of Australian cities with direct flights to Changi to nine points.

Changi Airport Group (CAG) also announced the commencement of a redevelopment project to transform the former CIP (Commercially Important Persons) terminal area into a dedicated service complex and terminal for premium passengers. Located south of Terminal 2 (T2), the project is expected to begin operations by mid-2027.

The new terminal will feature lounges, private rooms, dining areas, and spaces for collective events. The design includes a separate check-in process for passengers, fast-track access to boarding gates, and direct connections to the airport's retail areas. Ang Siew Min, Senior Vice President of Changi Airport Group (CAG), stated that the dedicated terminal upgrade aims to meet the demand for personalized and specialized services for the premium customer segment, replacing the previous CIP terminal model.

In 2025, Changi previously set a record with 69.98 million passengers.

Mai Phuong (According to Asian Aviation, The Straits Times)