How Are Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Singapore Changi, and Phu Quoc Leading the Surge in Southeast Asia’s Booming Aviation Market?

Published on January 26, 2025

In January 2025, the aviation sector in Southeast Asia continued its robust growth trajectory, reflecting the region’s increasing demand for both leisure and business travel. Established airports, along with emerging destinations, were particularly noteworthy for their significant capacity increases. From the well-established hubs in Bangkok and Singapore to the rapidly growing markets in places like Phu Quoc, the data revealed a strong regional response to growing international travel. This surge in capacity not only highlights the resilience of Southeast Asia’s tourism but also signals important shifts within the global aviation industry.

Southeast Asia’s Continued Aviation Boom

The start of 2025 marked a significant milestone for the Southeast Asian aviation market, with key airports recording impressive increases in seat capacity. This upward trend reflects not only a growing number of travelers but also the expanded network of airlines, which have capitalized on the rising demand for international travel. Southeast Asia has become an increasingly vital hub for global aviation, serving as a crucial link for both business and leisure travelers.

Notable airports that stood out in January 2025 included major hubs such as Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi, Singapore Changi, and Kuala Lumpur International, all of which recorded substantial increases in international seat capacity. Alongside these giants, secondary airports like Phu Quoc, Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta, and Phuket experienced notable growth, marking a diversification in the region’s travel landscape.

Key Airports Leading the Charge

1. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), Thailand
   Bangkok Suvarnabhumi continued its reign as the region’s fastest-growing airport by absolute seat numbers. With a 16% increase, the airport added over 407,000 seats compared to the previous year. This surge is attributed to the airport’s significant role in handling both long-haul and regional flights. As Thailand remains a top global tourist destination, Suvarnabhumi’s expansion signals both the recovery of the tourism industry and the broader growth of Southeast Asia as a transit hub for international flights.
2. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Malaysia
   Kuala Lumpur International Airport, which added over 368,000 seats in January, saw a 10% increase in international seat capacity. This growth is underpinned by Malaysia’s thriving tourism sector, as well as the airport’s continued importance as a business hub for the region. The strategic location of KUL ensures it remains a key player in connecting Southeast Asia with the Middle East and neighboring Asian countries.
3. Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), Singapore
   With nearly 336,000 additional seats, Singapore Changi Airport recorded an 11% growth in international seat capacity. Known for its extensive route network, Changi’s performance underscores its continued dominance in the region. Its central role as a major business hub and its reputation for facilitating both leisure and corporate travel contribute to its continued success in accommodating growing passenger demand.
4. Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), Thailand
   In a striking development, Don Mueang Airport witnessed an impressive 39% increase, with over 255,000 additional seats in January. This growth highlights the rising demand for budget-friendly travel in Southeast Asia, particularly within Thailand. As a hub for low-cost carriers, Don Mueang is catering to a growing number of regional travelers seeking affordable options for short-haul flights.
5. Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC), Vietnam
   The most remarkable growth was seen at Phu Quoc International Airport, which experienced a staggering 185.2% increase, adding over 108,000 seats. This rapid expansion reflects Phu Quoc’s rise as a sought-after tropical destination, aided by new international routes and the strategic efforts of airlines to cater to the increasing demand for travel to this picturesque island.

Emerging Destinations and Secondary Airports

6. Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), Jakarta, Indonesia
   Soekarno-Hatta Airport saw a dramatic 176% surge, adding nearly 106,000 seats. This growth is indicative of the renewed appeal of Jakarta, both as a business destination and a gateway to the broader Indonesian archipelago. The increase in capacity aligns with Indonesia’s growing tourism sector, supported by airline expansions and the reinstitution of international routes.
7. Phuket International Airport (HKT), Thailand
   In Thailand’s southern regions, Phuket International Airport saw a 31% growth, adding nearly 194,200 additional seats. With its ongoing popularity among international tourists, particularly from Europe and Asia, Phuket continues to be a key destination for beach lovers and those seeking a getaway to Thailand’s idyllic islands.
8. Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), Hanoi, Vietnam
   Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport experienced a 15% increase, adding more than 106,000 seats to its international capacity. As Vietnam’s capital city increases its connectivity with major Asian markets, it continues to grow as a crucial destination for both business and leisure travelers.
9. Denpasar-Bali International Airport (DPS), Indonesia
   Bali’s Denpasar Airport, with a 6% increase, added nearly 99,100 seats. As one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, Bali remains a key choice for travelers from Australia, Europe, and Asia. Its steady growth reflects the island’s enduring appeal and the continued strength of Indonesia’s tourism sector.
10. Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
    Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat Airport added over 85,000 seats, reflecting a 7% increase in its international capacity. This growth is supported by Vietnam’s expanding economy and the country’s increasing presence on the global travel map.

Key Insights and Impact on Global Travel

• Thailand’s Dominance
  With three airports in the top five for seat growth, Thailand continues to solidify its position as a central hub in Southeast Asia’s aviation market. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and Phuket are key to supporting both regional and international travelers.
• The Rise of Emerging Destinations
  Phu Quoc and Jakarta’s airports highlight the region’s capacity to expand beyond established hubs. Phu Quoc’s staggering 185.2% growth signals its growing status as a prime tourist destination, while Jakarta’s resurgence reflects a revitalized business and tourism landscape.
• Diversification and Growth in Secondary Airports
  Airports like Phuket, Hanoi, and Bali are emerging as increasingly important players, capturing spillover demand from major hubs. This shift indicates a diversification of the region’s travel landscape, with secondary airports playing a larger role in meeting tourism and business demand.

Southeast Asia’s aviation sector in 2025 reflects both the region’s resilience and its dynamic growth. With established hubs continuing to thrive and emerging destinations rapidly expanding, the region is positioning itself as a major player in global aviation. This growth is expected to continue driving the region’s tourism industry and reshape the global travel market, offering more diverse options for travelers while easing congestion in more saturated destinations.