Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific & Middle East today unveiled its 2024 Air Connectivity Ranking, highlighting an impressive 14% year-on-year increase in air passenger connectivity across these regions. The report attributes this surge to robust international travel demand, recovery of key air corridors, and strategic network expansions by airports and airlines, especially following post-pandemic challenges.

Comprehensive Connectivity Evaluation: ACI’s Analytical Framework

Developed in partnership with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), the ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Air Connectivity Ranking is a rigorous, passenger-focused index first introduced in 2023 and refined for its third edition in 2025. It provides an empirical measurement of how airports connect travelers to global destinations, considering three fundamental components: the scale and frequency of networks, the economic significance of connected destinations, and the quality and efficiency of passenger connections.

This multi-dimensional approach offers critical insights for policymakers, aviation authorities, and industry stakeholders aiming to optimize infrastructure and service delivery in line with international air travel demand trends.

Key Connectivity Growth Metrics: Asia-Pacific and Middle East

The Asia-Pacific region registered a 13% increase in overall air connectivity compared to 2023, edging close to full recovery of intra-regional travel, with connectivity just 0.2% below pre-pandemic (2019) levels. Moreover, intercontinental connectivity outpaced expectations with a solid 4% rise, signaling expanding international routes.

Meanwhile, the Middle East region not only surpassed recovery benchmarks but set new records with a 28% surge in air connectivity. Both intra-regional and intercontinental travel connections exceeded pre-pandemic levels by 18% and 16%, respectively, reflecting the region’s rapid rebound and strategic role as a global aviation hub.

Trends Shaping Connectivity Dynamics

The report identifies several noteworthy trends shaping the recovery and expansion of air networks:

  • International Travel Drives Growth: There was a 17% average increase in international city pairs across airports, underscoring a resurgence in cross-border passenger movements that have become the backbone of regional connectivity.
  • Domestic Travel Softens Slightly: Contrastingly, domestic city pairs decreased by about 1%, indicating airlines’ strategic pivot towards restoring and expanding international routes over domestic sectors.
  • Airport Recovery: Approximately 80% of the top 300 airports have fully regained pre-pandemic connectivity levels, with large hubs leading due to the resumption of international travel and long-haul services.
  • Regional Passenger Movements:
    • In Asia-Pacific, passenger travel within the region approaches 2019 volumes, while travel to Europe, Middle East, and Africa has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, largely driven by Gulf hub airports.
    • Passenger traffic between Asia-Pacific and the Americas remains below 2019 benchmarks.
    • The Middle East demonstrated particularly robust recovery, with passenger volumes to Africa and Asia-Pacific exceeding 2019 levels, though traffic to the Americas remains subdued.

Leading Airports and Hub Connectivity

Dubai International Airport retained its status as the top-ranking airport in the combined Asia-Pacific and Middle East region, maintaining dominance through its expansive network and high-quality hub operations. Other significant hubs like Shanghai Pudong, Hamad International Airport (Doha), Incheon (Seoul), Singapore Changi, and Beijing Capital have also improved their rankings, reflecting their roles as gateways for outbound tourism and evolving airline strategies.

The 2025 report introduced the Hub Connectivity Index, evaluating airports based on transfer efficiency, route deviations, and onward connectivity strength. Dubai International Airport topped this category, followed by Shanghai Pudong and Hamad International Airport.

Rise of Airport City Clusters and Urban Agglomerations

Another novel feature in this edition is the City Connectivity Index, which analyzes how clusters of airports within large metropolitan regions boost overall accessibility and network diversity. For example:

  • The Shenzhen–Hong Kong–Macau cluster, along with Tokyo, Shanghai, and Beijing clusters, exemplify how multiple airports within a metro area create dense networks with frequent flights and multiple routing options.
  • Cities like Seoul, Bangkok, and Taipei lead in per capita accessibility, providing exceptional connectivity relative to population size.

These findings highlight the importance of strategic infrastructure development and airport cooperation in enhancing regional and global air mobility.

Importance of Connectivity for Economic Resilience and Trade

Stefano Baronci, Director General of ACI Asia-Pacific and Middle East, stressed the critical role of air connectivity beyond passenger convenience:
“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.”

He emphasized the need for continued investment in airport infrastructure and technology upgrades to sustain growth momentum, warning against complacency given emerging geopolitical and trade tensions.

Baronci called on governments to prioritize policies favoring air service liberalization, streamlined visa procedures, and transparent airport slot allocations. Special attention was urged for small island and remote communities where air connectivity is often the only vital lifeline.

Official Perspectives and Policy Implications

The report aligns with aviation development goals outlined by regional and international organizations, including:

  • The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which highlights air connectivity as essential for sustainable development and global economic integration.
  • National civil aviation authorities in Asia-Pacific and Middle East countries, emphasizing infrastructure modernization and liberalized air service agreements to boost connectivity and tourism.

These concerted efforts underscore air connectivity as a cornerstone of economic diversification, tourism growth, and cross-cultural exchange in the post-pandemic era.

Summary of Key Findings:

  • Asia-Pacific air connectivity grew by 13%, nearing full recovery of intra-regional travel.
  • Middle East air connectivity surged 28%, exceeding pre-pandemic levels significantly.
  • International city pairs increased by 17%, while domestic pairs slightly declined.
  • 80% of top airports fully restored connectivity; major hubs lead growth.
  • Dubai International Airport tops regional rankings, with Shanghai Pudong and Hamad Airport close behind.
  • Airport city clusters enhance connectivity through multiple hubs within metropolitan areas.
  • Continued investment and policy support are critical to sustaining connectivity growth and supporting economic resilience.

image: aci-asiapac.aero

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