With new connections, air traffic between Singapore and India, Changi’s sixth largest market, rose to 4.76 million in 2018.
Singapore is now linked to Northeast India via Guwahati, operated by Drukair Royal Bhutan Airlines. The connection to Pune opens up a direct connection between Singapore and the second largest city in Maharashtra State, which is one of Changi’s top unserved points in India.
In a press statement on Wednesday, January 30, Changi Airport noted that the air link between Singapore and Amaravati’s Vijaywada Airport was also a significant milestone. It marked Singapore’s partnership with Andhra Pradesh to build the new capital city of Amaravati in Southeast India.
Overall, Changi Airport registered a strong performance in 2018, handling a record 65.6 million passenger movements, a 5.5 percent increase from the year before. December was once again the busiest month of the year, recording 6.13 million passenger movements, an increase of 4.5 percent.
“2018 was another strong year for Changi Airport. We are pleased with the introduction of new city links, as well as the growth of long haul routes from Changi Airport,” said Mr Lim Ching Kiat, CAG’s Managing Director, Air Hub Development.
“Later this year, Jewel Changi Airport will open its doors to the world. With aviation facilities, retail offerings and play attractions, Jewel will augment Changi Airport’s status as an air hub. Terminal 1’s expansion will also be completed, increasing the airport’s handling the capacity to 85 million passengers per annum.”
He added, “We expect 2019 to pose challenges include rising fuel prices and trade tensions. While these potential headwinds may impact the industry, demand for air travel in the Asia Pacific region is forecast to grow steadily.”
