29-11-2023 (SINGAPORE) Changi Airport in Singapore is experiencing a robust post-pandemic rebound, with October’s overall passenger figures reaching 90.7% of the levels recorded in 2019. This marks the highest recovery percentage since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Changi Airport Group (CAG). The achievement surpasses the previous peak of 89.5% in May 2023.
In October, 5.12 million travellers passed through Changi Airport, compared to 5.65 million in the same month in 2019. The airport saw approximately 28,700 commercial flights, accounting for 89.8% of the flights in October 2019.
CAG highlighted the strong recovery of the South Korean market, which has outperformed other top markets in 2023. India follows closely, operating at 102% of pre-pandemic levels, and Australia at 94%.
South Korea’s remarkable recovery is attributed to increased traffic between Singapore and South Korean cities, particularly Seoul and Busan. Low-cost carrier Scoot’s launch of flights to and from Jeju island in June 2022 also contributed to the surge in demand.
Passenger traffic between Singapore and South Korea has consistently exceeded 2019 levels since January 2023, showing a monthly outperformance of at least 25%. Seoul has become Changi Airport’s sixth-largest city link by passenger traffic, climbing from the 12th position in 2019.
Factors contributing to the growing demand include an expansion of flight capacity by airlines. T’way Air, the first South Korean low-cost carrier to operate between Singapore and Seoul, now runs daily services. Scoot, another low-cost carrier, increased its frequency between Singapore and Seoul from thrice a week in January 2020 to daily services.
The port city of Busan has witnessed the fastest growth in passenger traffic, with October 2023 movements more than double those in January. Airlines like Jeju Air and Singapore Airlines have played a role in boosting connectivity.
As of November, there are now six airlines operating flights between Singapore and South Korea, compared to five before the pandemic. The injection of flight capacity by low-cost carriers has enhanced accessibility and increased options for consumers, especially younger travellers who are more price-sensitive, said Mr Lim Ching Kiat, CAG’s executive vice president for air hub and cargo development.
Travel agencies are also witnessing a surge in demand. ASA Holidays reported a 30% to 40% increase in Singaporeans signing up for tour packages to South Korea in the last quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022. South Korea remains among the top holiday destinations, with strong travel demand expected during the year-end school holidays.
