The Air Connectivity Ranking 2023 from ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East showcases a multifaceted recovery scenario, characterized by notable improvements despite geopolitical uncertainties. This ranking incorporates a user-centric perspective, assessing consumer preferences, connection quality, flight frequency, seat capacity, and destination count. The index has received endorsements from the ICAO DGCA Conferences for Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions in October 2023 and May 2024. This year’s report maintains globally recognized standards, evaluating direct and indirect connections along with overall connection experience and quality.
The study encompasses 300 airports, representing approximately 93% of the combined passenger traffic in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. The Middle East region has exhibited encouraging signs of recovery, with passenger traffic growth of almost 4% in 2023 compared to 2019 levels. The region’s air connectivity is currently just 5% below pre-pandemic levels. In contrast, the Asia-Pacific region’s connectivity recovery is ongoing, albeit remaining 13% below 2019 figures. This represents a significant improvement from the 36% decline observed in 2022 compared to pre-pandemic levels, indicating gradual yet steady progress.
Commenting on the report’s findings, Mr. Stefano Baronci, Director General of ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East, said, ‘The report presents a positive outlook for gradual recovery in air connectivity across Asia Pacific and steady growth in the Middle East, with regional factors significantly influencing the pace and extent of recovery. 2024 is anticipated to uphold this positive trend, with the 300 airports sampled in our report projecting a 59% average improvement in connectivity during the first quarter of the year compared to the same period in 2023, largely driven by Asia-Pacific airports, particularly in China. However, smaller airports will face significant challenges, and adequate support through transport policies is recommended. To remain competitive, timely implementation of reforms is crucial to stimulate growth, particularly in areas such as constructing new airport infrastructure to meet future demand, further liberalizing markets, and simplifying visa policies. These measures will be vital in providing consumers with more affordable options and making air travel more convenient and efficient.’
