Singapore Changi Airport welcomed 17.6 million passengers in Q1 2026, despite the Middle East conflict

In Q1 this year, Changi Airport handled 517,000 tons 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.

Travel demand bolstered by growth in North Asia and Europe

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 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.

New and reinstated services

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 in northern Thailand and four weekly flights to Palembang in Indonesia, 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.