SINGAPORE – Known for being one of the busiest and most efficient airports globally, Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) serves as a crucial aviation hub linking Southeast Asia to the world. While its network is expansive, there are still untapped opportunities waiting to be explored. Collaboration among airlines and airports continues to flourish, particularly at industry-centric gatherings like the IATA Slot Conference.

This article dives into the top 10 unserved routes that have been identified based on passenger demand forecasts from October 2023 to September 2024. These routes not only highlight exciting opportunities for growth but can also potentially redefine travel for business and leisure aviation.

The Top 10 Unserved Routes

According to in-depth passenger traffic analysis by BEONTRA, these routes indicate promising markets for airlines looking to expand their operations from Singapore Changi, catering to both burgeoning tourism and business travel needs.

1. CTS (Sapporo, Japan) *Passenger Volume: 82,353 PAX* Sapporo, a winter wonderland and gateway to Hokkaido, has become increasingly attractive to leisure travelers from Southeast Asia. Notably, Scoot (TR) has recently addressed this gap by launching direct flights, making the route vibrant and competitive.

2. CGQ (Changchun, China) *Passenger Volume: 66,035 PAX* As a pivotal economic hub in Northeast China, Changchun's outbound travel demand is rapidly ascending. A direct flight connection to Singapore would cater to the rising numbers of business and leisure travelers originating from this area.

3. DLC (Dalian, China) *Passenger Volume: 63,051 PAX* Known for its economic significance, Dalian has the potential to become a hot spot for both leisure tourism and business travel, establishing itself as a key player in Singapore's direct flight offerings.

4. HRB (Harbin, China) *Passenger Volume: 56,051 PAX* With its unique cultural landmarks and increasing outbound travel, Harbin is vying for a direct route to Southeast Asia, presenting an attractive option for Singapore Airlines.

5. IAH (Houston, USA) *Passenger Volume: 48,655 PAX* Houston stands out as a major energy and business hub in the United States, representing significant demand for long-haul flights that could benefit premium and corporate travelers seeking to connect with Singapore.

6. GVA (Geneva, Switzerland) *Passenger Volume: 47,050 PAX* Geneva is an internationally recognized financial and diplomatic center, ensuring a steady stream of high-value travelers. Direct flights from Singapore would support their business and diplomatic engagements.

7. DUB (Dublin, Ireland) *Passenger Volume: 44,882 PAX* As Dublin ascends as a leading tech hub, its lively tourism scene further underlines its potential. Airlines could capitalize on this upward trend by establishing direct flights to Singapore.

8. YYZ (Toronto, Canada) *Passenger Volume: 43,937 PAX* Toronto boasts a diverse populace with strong business relations with Asia, rendering it a lucrative destination for long-haul flights connecting with Singapore.

9. MAD (Madrid, Spain) *Passenger Volume: 43,697 PAX* With its rich cultural offerings and a surge in travel demand from Southeast Asia, Madrid is an appealing target for new air services emanating from Changi.

10. VIE (Vienna, Austria) *Passenger Volume: 41,024 PAX* As a cultural and business hub, Vienna's strategic location creates abundant opportunities for direct flights to Singapore.

The Bottom Line

Singapore Changi Airport's strategic location empowers it to explore these promising routes. By capitalizing on these unserved markets, Changi can enhance its status as a leader in global connectivity.

As we witness the aviation landscape reshape, insights derived from passenger and market data will guide airlines and airports in pinpointing routes that promise success and profitability.

Stay tuned for more updates on the unfolding aviation trends and potential travel opportunities!