With the aviation sector in Southeast Asia rebounding sharply, particularly in high-demand tourist and business hubs, a new ranking reveals the top ten fastest-growing airports in the region by international seat capacity in October.
Here’s a look at key insights on this growth, considering how airports across the region continue to expand capacity, reaping benefits from relaxed travel restrictions and continuously growing passenger demand.
Top Performers in October
1. Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport (DMK), Thailand
- Seats Added: 175,330
- Percentage Increase: 31%
- Leading the region is Bangkok’s DMK Airport with a sharp month-on-month capacity increase of 31%, equivalent to 175,330 seats. DMK’s growth highlights its role as a critical hub for regional travel, with international seat capacity growth likely driven by strong demand in budget and short-haul flights, particularly within Southeast Asia.
2. Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), Singapore
- Seats Added: 158,052
- Percentage Increase: 5%
- Singapore Changi maintained its position as a dominant Southeast Asian hub, adding over 158,000 international seats. The 5% growth is lower in percentage terms but significant in absolute numbers, reflecting Changi’s extensive global network and a continued recovery in business and leisure travel.
3. Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK), Thailand
- Seats Added: 142,328
- Percentage Increase: 6%
- Suvarnabhumi’s 6% capacity boost equates to more than 142,000 new seats, making it a critical hub in Thailand’s aviation recovery. This growth points to Thailand’s popularity as a tourist destination and its appeal to international travelers looking for a gateway into the region.
4. Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), Philippines
- Seats Added: 60,023
- Percentage Increase: 5%
- With 60,023 seats added, Manila Airport saw a 5% increase, mirroring steady growth in the Philippines’ tourism and expatriate sectors. MNL’s connectivity to North Asia and the Middle East, as well as growing interest in Philippine tourism, contribute to this growth.
5. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), Malaysia
- Seats Added: 46,017
- Percentage Increase: 2%
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport added 46,017 seats, with a more conservative growth rate of 2%. KUL’s capacity expansion could be attributed to the gradual recovery in business and leisure travel, especially with Malaysia’s proximity to key Southeast Asian markets and the Middle East.
Mid-Tier Growth Airports
6. Phuket International Airport (HKT), Thailand
- Seats Added: 45,670
- Percentage Increase: 11%
- Phuket saw a notable 11% increase, adding 45,670 seats, reinforcing its role as a primary international gateway for Thailand’s tourist-dense southern region. The high growth rate reflects strong demand from European and Asian tourists as they return to Thailand’s beach destinations.
7. Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), Hanoi, Vietnam
- Seats Added: 40,932
- Percentage Increase: 7%
- Hanoi’s Noi Bai Airport expanded by 7%, adding 40,932 seats. This growth is aligned with Vietnam’s rising tourism profile and its expanding connections with other parts of Asia, which feed into demand for both leisure and business travel.
8. Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Seats Added: 29,410
- Percentage Increase: 4%
- Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat Airport added 29,410 seats (4% growth), benefiting from the rising number of flights within Asia. Vietnam’s economy continues to attract investment and tourism, boosting the need for international air connectivity.
9. Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), Jakarta, Indonesia
- Seats Added: 28,127
- Percentage Increase: 3%
- Jakarta’s primary international gateway, Soekarno-Hatta Airport, experienced a 3% increase with 28,127 additional seats. This growth showcases Indonesia’s recovery, particularly with improved business travel and the gradual return of tourists to the archipelago.
10. Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH), Cambodia
- Seats Added: 21,969
- Percentage Increase: 7%
- Phnom Penh closes the list with a 7% increase, equivalent to nearly 22,000 new seats. This growth showcases Cambodia’s rising appeal among travelers seeking new destinations within Southeast Asia and indicates that Cambodia’s aviation sector is gradually expanding its capacity and network reach.
Key Trends Observed
- Thailand’s Leading Growth: Thailand’s dual airports in Bangkok and one in Phuket are capturing the most substantial increases, signaling Thailand’s strong post-pandemic recovery, particularly in tourism. DMK’s high growth underscores the demand for low-cost carriers in Southeast Asia.
- Regional Hub Dominance: Singapore Changi and Bangkok Suvarnabhumi remain influential regional hubs, consistently attracting high capacity despite lower percentage growth. Their extensive international networks and ability to connect long-haul and regional flights enable consistent growth in international seats.
- Emerging Markets: Airports like Phnom Penh and Hanoi, while smaller than hubs such as Changi or Suvarnabhumi, reflect increasing demand in secondary markets. These locations benefit from tourism, growing economies, and increasing low-cost carrier routes across Asia, with airlines exploring new markets to attract budget-conscious travelers.
Bottom Line
The top ten fastest-growing Southeast Asian airports demonstrate a mix of established hubs and emerging destinations, showcasing a balance between traditional transit points and rising secondary markets.
As a whole, this capacity growth is fueled by a combination of tourism, relaxed restrictions, and a surge in low-cost carriers targeting regional and international travelers.
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