Changi passenger traffic rose 5.5% to 65.6 million in 2018

The airport was busiest on 21 December when a new record of 221,155 passengers passed through its terminals.

Singapore’s Changi Airport bore witness to heightened visitor activity in 2018 as passenger movement increased 5.5% YoY to a total of 65.6 million in 2018, an announcement revealed.

The previous year saw double-digit growths in movements to Europe, South Asia, the Americas and Africa. Amongst Changi’s top 10 markets, India (12%) led the growth, followed by Japan (10%). Meanwhile, visitors from China and Vietnam both witnessed an annual growth rate of 7%.

Also Read: Changi crowned as Asia's most connected international airport

The airport’s administration noted that the busiest day of the year was on 21 December 2018 which is the Friday before Christmas as a record high 221,155 passengers passed through Changi’s terminals.

Meanwhile, aircraft movements inched up 1.4% YoY to 33,400 whilst airfreight throughput rose 1.4% YoY to 2.15 million tonnes for the whole of 2018.

The airport welcomed three passenger airlines in 2018 including Guangxi Beibu Gulf Airlines, LOT Polish, and Shandong Airlines. Seven new passenger city links were also established to China (Nanchang), Germany (Berlin), India (Guwahati, Pune, Vijayawada), Indonesia (Belitung), and Poland (Warsaw).

“We expect 2019 to pose challenges include rising fuel prices and trade tensions,” Lim Ching Kiat, CAG’s Managing Director, Air Hub Development, said. “Whilst these potential headwinds may impact the industry, demand for air travel in the Asia Pacific region is forecast to grow steadily.”