Air connectivity in Asia Pacific and the Middle East grew 14% year-on-year for both regions amid strong international demand, robust network connectivity and return of major travel corridors, according to the Air Connectivity Ranking 2024 released by Airports Council International Asia-Pacific & Middle East (ACI APAC & MID).

The ranking showed the Asia-Pacific region increasing by 13% in overall connectivity compared to 2023, while the Middle East posted a 28% increase, surpassing all post-COVID recovery forecasts. 

On average, connectivity across all airports rose in both Asia-Pacific and the Middle East by 14%.

“In Asia-Pacific, intra-regional connections are nearly back to pre-pandemic levels, trailing by just 0.2%. At the same time, intercontinental connectivity is on the rise, showing a solid 4% increase,” ACI World said.

It added that the Middle East, however, isn't just recovering – it's setting a new pace with both intra-regional and intercontinental connectivity have not only bounced back but have exceeded pre-pandemic levels by a significant margin of 18% and 16%, respectively.

The report noted that 80% of the top 300 airports have fully recovered connectivity levels, with larger hubs leading due to the resurgence of international travel. Meanwhile, domestic city pairs decreased by an average of 1% compared to 2023, suggesting a post-COVID emphasis on international expansion. 

International city pairs across all airport categories rose by an average of 17%.

Dubai leads in connectivity

Despite increased competition, ACI World said Dubai maintained its position as the leading airport in APAC and the Middle East, while major Asian hubs like Incheon, Singapore Changi, Shanghai Pudong, and Beijing Capital saw improved rankings and indices, reflecting strong outbound tourism and network adjustments.

“Air connectivity is not only relevant for passengers seeking more travel options and convenience; it is equally crucial for supporting global trade and economic resilience, particularly through belly hold cargo capacity,” Stefano Baronci, Director General of ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East, said.

He also urged for more investment in airport infrastructure and technological upgrades as a prerequisite for enhancing connectivity.

“In the face of growing geopolitical and trade tensions, we urge governments to prioritise air service liberalisation, streamlined visa policies, and transparent slot allocation frameworks. Lastly, we must not lose sight of the needs of small island and remote communities —air connectivity remains their lifeline,” Baronci added. 

The ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Air Connectivity Ranking, developed in collaboration with PwC in 2023, evaluates the overall level of air passenger connectivity offered by airports across the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions.

It assesses performance through three fundamental building blocks: network scale and frequency, economic weight of destinations, and connection quality and efficiency.