Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Jakarta Airports at the Forefront of Southeast Asia’s Booming Air Travel Surge, Fueling Growth Across Bali, Makassar, and Emerging Regional Gateways

Published on June 16, 2025

Singapore

As 2025 unfolds, Southeast Asia has reclaimed its stature as a major aviation hub, with airports across the region seeing a powerful rebound in passenger numbers. At the forefront of this revival is Singapore’s Changi Airport, which led the region with 3.59 million travelers passing through its terminals in May 2025 alone. This impressive figure reflects a focused and efficient recovery strategy following the pandemic, driven by strong international flight networks, a robust airline presence, and proactive infrastructure planning.

Changi’s ongoing development, including the much-anticipated Terminal 5, is expected to significantly boost its capacity, aiming to serve 50 million passengers annually once completed in the mid-2030s. These plans are a clear signal of Singapore’s commitment to maintaining its global status as a key transit and aviation center connecting East and West.

Kuala Lumpur

In second place, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) also witnessed a strong performance, recording 3.23 million passengers during the same month. Strategically located and undergoing major upgrades, KUL is enhancing both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, aiming to expand their capacities from 30 million to 59 million, and from 45 million to 67 million, respectively.

Plans for a fourth runway and the potential construction of Terminal 3 are in motion. These developments are being positioned to address rising demand and reinforce the airport’s role as a vital gateway into Malaysia and the broader ASEAN region.

Jakarta

Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK) in Jakarta, Indonesia’s main international airport, secured third spot with 3.14 million passengers. With its central role in linking Indonesia to the rest of the world, the airport is currently undergoing significant terminal upgrades to increase overall capacity to a remarkable 94 million passengers annually.

This strategic transformation aims to improve traveler experience while also meeting the rapidly growing demand for both domestic and international flights, particularly from markets such as China and Australia.

Bangkok

Not far behind, Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) in Bangkok handled 3.11 million travelers, placing it in fourth. As Thailand’s premier aviation hub, Suvarnabhumi is pushing forward with its infrastructure plans, including the addition of a third runway and the opening of the Midfield Satellite Concourse 1 (SAT-1). This expansion is projected to raise its handling capacity from 45 million to 60 million passengers per year, reflecting the resurgence of Thailand’s tourism.

Manila

In fifth place is Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila, with 2.78 million passengers. It remains a vital point of entry and exit for the Filipino diaspora and growing numbers of international visitors. The recovery of business and leisure travel in the Philippines continues to bolster its traffic figures.

Ho Chi Minh City

Coming in sixth is Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, which served 2.24 million passengers. Rapidly expanding domestic and regional routes, combined with the country’s increasing popularity among tourists, have significantly driven these numbers. SGN has become a central point for both economic activity and tourism in southern Vietnam.

Hanoi

In seventh place, Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) in Hanoi managed 1.78 million travelers, marking an 11.3% growth in traffic. This reflects Vietnam’s broader aviation growth, helped by its expanding international connections and a steady flow of inbound tourism.

Bangkok (Don Mueang)

Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), also in Bangkok, claimed the eighth position with 1.65 million passengers. Known for serving primarily low-cost carriers, Don Mueang plays a critical role in supporting budget travel within Thailand and across the region. Its significance continues to grow as affordable flying options become increasingly popular post-pandemic.

Bali

Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) placed ninth, welcoming 1.31 million passengers. Bali has long been a magnet for international tourists, and 2025 has seen its appeal strengthen among travelers from Australia, India, and Europe. Airlines are increasing flight frequencies to accommodate this rising demand, reaffirming Bali’s global appeal.

Makassar

In tenth is Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport (UPG) in Makassar, Indonesia, with 979,000 passengers. Although not a major international hub, UPG is crucial for domestic travel, especially to and from Eastern Indonesia. It serves as a key connector, with local carriers ensuring reliable service across the archipelago.

What This Means for Global Travelers

This upsurge in airport activity across Southeast Asia has broader implications for international travelers. With enhanced connectivity, more frequent flights, and modernized terminals, the region offers smoother, more reliable travel experiences. For global tourists, business travelers, and regional commuters alike, this marks a significant leap toward travel normalization.

As airports from Singapore to Jakarta invest in long-term infrastructure projects and improve services, they’re setting a new benchmark for aviation recovery post-COVID. The emphasis on accessibility, capacity, and passenger comfort is reshaping how people travel through Southeast Asia.

Final Thoughts

The first half of 2025 has proven to be a turning point for Southeast Asia’s aviation landscape. The resurgence in passenger traffic, paired with ambitious expansion plans, has not only restored the region’s status as a travel powerhouse but is also laying the foundation for sustained growth.

These transformations are more than just numbers; they signal a deeper change in how the region is integrating into the global travel network. As investment pours into terminals and runways, and as airlines recalibrate to meet renewed demand, Southeast Asia is poised to become more influential than ever in shaping the future of international air travel.