Thursday, July 31, 2025

The rise of airport city clusters is reshaping the way we view global connectivity. In 2025, a fresh dimension has been added to this concept, as larger urban agglomerations like Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Macau, Tokyo, Shanghai, and Beijing dominate the new City Connectivity Index. But what makes these city clusters so powerful? The answer lies in the presence of multiple large airports, which together create an unparalleled advantage. These clusters enable higher flight frequencies, diversified routing options, and a vast network of international connections.
The power of airport city clusters is clear. Cities like Beijing and the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Macau cluster have dramatically boosted their connectivity through the strategic use of secondary airports. This effective strategy allows these regions to handle a much larger volume of passengers while maintaining smooth, efficient operations. Meanwhile, cities such as Seoul, Bangkok, and Taipei are excelling in per capita accessibility. They offer exceptional connectivity, not just in volume but in the way they serve their populations, making travel faster and more convenient for locals and international travelers alike.
The increase in connectivity isn’t just about numbers. It’s about accessibility, efficiency, and how well these cities are positioning themselves for future growth. Imagine being in a city where you can reach nearly every corner of the world with minimal hassle. These airport city clusters are making this a reality.
As the world becomes more interconnected, these cities will become the new hubs of global travel. How will other cities adapt to this growing trend? And what does this mean for the future of air travel? The rise of airport city clusters is just the beginning, and it promises to revolutionize how we travel and connect with each other in the years to come. Stay tuned for more updates, as the world of travel evolves at lightning speed.
In 2024, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East witnessed a significant surge in air connectivity, with an impressive 14% overall growth. The Middle East outpaced expectations, posting a remarkable 28% increase. This growth highlights the aviation industry’s swift recovery, powered by strong international demand and strategic route expansions, especially with China’s reopening.

The Power of Airport City Clusters in Asia
Airport city clusters refer to regions where multiple airports work together to serve a broader area, offering greater connectivity. In 2024, Asia is leading the way, with the Greater Bay Area taking the top spot, followed by major cities like Tokyo, Shanghai, and Beijing.
1. Greater Bay Area: A Gateway to the World
At the top of the list is the Greater Bay Area (GBA), which combines three major cities: Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Macau. This region is set to become a world-class hub for air travel.
The GBA benefits from key projects like the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, which connects these cities and reduces travel time between them. This bridge significantly enhances connectivity for passengers, making the area a powerful international airport cluster. By 2035, the GBA aims to operate seven airports, with more than 20 million tons of cargo expected to move through its airports every year.
Shenzhen’s Bao’an International Airport is also undergoing an expansion, with plans to reach an annual passenger throughput of 80 million by 2026. This development is set to strengthen the GBA’s position as a critical global air travel hub.
2. Tokyo: Japan’s Leading Airport City
Tokyo is another airport city cluster that holds a strong position in 2024. The city is served by two main airports: Narita International Airport and Haneda Airport. Together, these airports form an interconnected system that allows Tokyo to maintain its status as a global transport hub.
Tokyo’s connectivity improved significantly in 2024, with Narita Airport rising 45 places in global rankings. This shift shows the airport’s continued growth in connecting international travelers to Japan. With modern amenities, efficient services, and expanded flight options, Tokyo is one of Asia’s most connected cities, offering flights to major cities across the world.
3. Shanghai: China’s Economic Powerhouse
Shanghai is another key player in Asia’s airport connectivity network. Shanghai’s Pudong and Hongqiao airports provide a vast network of flights to destinations around the globe.
Shanghai has added new international destinations and increased the frequency of existing routes. With nearly 300 destinations across 48 countries, Shanghai’s airports are essential to both business and leisure travelers. The growth of Shanghai’s airport infrastructure highlights the city’s strategic importance in Asia’s growing aviation industry.

4. Beijing: A Giant in Air Travel
Beijing is home to two major airports: Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport. The newly opened Daxing airport, which is one of the largest single-structure airports in the world, is expected to ease congestion at the already busy Beijing Capital International Airport.
Beijing’s airports offer travelers an extensive network of global flights. With continuous improvements in infrastructure and services, Beijing remains a dominant player in global air connectivity. The combination of modern facilities and an ever-expanding network ensures that Beijing will remain a top destination for travelers worldwide.
5. Seoul: Connecting East Asia to the World
Seoul’s Incheon International Airport is a leader in East Asia’s connectivity network. As part of the Incheon Aerotropolis project, the airport is set to expand its influence by offering better services and improved accessibility to travelers.
Incheon is a key airport for international travelers visiting South Korea. The airport’s advanced infrastructure, coupled with the city’s role as a business hub, makes Seoul an attractive destination for global tourists and business people alike.
6. Bangkok: A Major Southeast Asian Hub
Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport is a central gateway to Southeast Asia. The airport, alongside Don Mueang International Airport, provides vital links to countries across Asia and beyond.
Suvarnabhumi is connected to downtown Bangkok via the Airport Rail Link, offering passengers easy access to the city. This connection helps improve the overall travel experience and strengthens Bangkok’s position as a major international travel hub in Asia.
7. Kuala Lumpur: Southeast Asia’s Most Connected Airport
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) stands out as one of Asia Pacific’s most connected airports in 2024. The airport has retained its position as a key international hub, with the highest number of connections in the region.
KLIA’s strategic location and ongoing infrastructure development have ensured its place as one of the top hubs in Asia. Its growing network of international destinations has cemented its position as an essential transit point for travelers to and from Southeast Asia.
8. Jakarta: Expanding Connectivity in Indonesia
Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport is Indonesia’s primary gateway, offering travelers access to both domestic and international destinations. Recently, the airport has expanded its connectivity, adding more international routes and improving services to cater to rising demand.
The addition of the Airport Rail Link has made it easier for passengers to travel from the airport to the city center, boosting Jakarta’s overall connectivity. These improvements enhance Jakarta’s role as a key airport in Southeast Asia, particularly for travelers heading to and from Indonesia.
9. Taipei: A Growing Hub in East Asia
Taipei’s Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport is a vital transportation hub for Taiwan. The airport has seen growth in international flight options, contributing to the city’s growing influence in East Asia’s connectivity landscape.
Taipei’s central location in Asia makes it an important stopover point for travelers between East Asia and other regions. The airport’s continued development ensures that Taipei remains a competitive player in the global airport network.
10. Manila: Strengthening the Philippines’ Global Connections
Manila is served by Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), which continues to undergo modernization projects to accommodate growing passenger traffic. These improvements are aimed at enhancing the overall travel experience and making Manila a more accessible destination for international travelers.
As the Philippines’ primary international gateway, Manila plays a crucial role in connecting the country to the rest of the world. With ongoing upgrades and expansion plans, NAIA is set to offer even better services for passengers in the years to come.

The Leading Hub Airports with Exceptional Connectivity
In addition to airport city clusters, certain airports are recognized for their exceptional connectivity. These hubs allow passengers to connect to global destinations with ease.
1. Dubai International Airport: The World’s Busiest Hub
Dubai International Airport (DXB) has maintained its position as the world’s busiest airport in 2024, handling millions of passengers annually. Its strategic location and extensive flight network have made it a key hub for international travel.
Dubai’s airport offers passengers access to destinations worldwide, from Europe and Africa to Asia and the Americas. DXB’s continuous expansion and development ensure that it will remain a top airport for years to come.
2. Shanghai Pudong International Airport: A Global Connector
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is a major gateway to China and the world. The airport’s ability to connect travelers to numerous destinations worldwide has solidified its position as one of the top airports in Asia.
With ongoing improvements in infrastructure and services, Shanghai’s airport network continues to expand, making it one of the leading airports for global connectivity.
3. Hamad International Airport: Qatar’s Global Gateway
Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha is a growing hub for Qatar Airways. The airport’s exceptional connectivity and top-tier services have made it a vital point for international travelers.
Hamad’s expansion plans will only increase its importance in global air travel, reinforcing Doha’s position as a major hub for connecting travelers between continents.

4. Incheon International Airport: South Korea’s Global Connection
Incheon International Airport (ICN) is another top performer in global connectivity. Serving as Seoul’s primary international airport, Incheon plays a critical role in connecting East Asia to the rest of the world.
Incheon’s ongoing development as part of the Incheon Aerotropolis ensures that it will continue to provide efficient connections and exceptional services for passengers.
5. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport: A Major Chinese Hub
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is a key gateway in southern China. The airport is expanding its network, further strengthening its role as a major hub for international flights.
Asia-Pacific Connectivity Growth in 2024
Asia-Pacific airports saw a 13% increase in air connectivity in 2024 compared to 2023. This impressive growth comes as intra-regional connectivity nears pre-pandemic levels, trailing only by 0.2%. Additionally, intercontinental connectivity has grown by 4%, showcasing solid progress in global air travel recovery. China’s reopening and the expansion of air routes have been pivotal drivers in this recovery. Key hubs in the region, including Incheon and Singapore Changi, recorded significant growth in rankings, reflecting the rebound of outbound tourism and adjusted network strategies. The region’s recovery is a clear sign of the aviation sector’s resilience.

Middle East Connectivity Leads with Exceptional Growth
The Middle East region surpassed all post-COVID recovery forecasts with a 28% growth in air connectivity. Both intra-regional and intercontinental flights exceeded pre-pandemic levels, with increases of 18% and 16%, respectively. Gulf hubs like Dubai have played a key role in the region’s success, maintaining their position as global connectivity leaders. The surge in air traffic is also a result of expanded route options, improved network efficiencies, and strategic geographical positioning. As international travel continues to grow, the Middle East has solidified its position as a central hub for global aviation.
Airports Rebounding and Expanding in 2024
Across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, 80% of the top 300 airports have fully recovered to pre-pandemic connectivity levels. This robust recovery is driven by the resurgence of international travel, particularly through major hubs. Airports in both regions have adapted quickly to the shifting demand, adjusting to route expansions, especially with a focus on international city pairs. Domestic city pairs, however, saw a slight decrease by 1%, as airlines shifted focus to international routes. This strategic pivot emphasizes the strong post-COVID demand for cross-border travel, which continues to outpace domestic travel growth.
International Connectivity Flourishing in Both Regions
International city pairs across all airport categories saw a significant 17% increase in 2024. This rise highlights the growing importance of international travel, especially to regions like Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Passenger traffic from Asia-Pacific to the Americas, however, still lags behind pre-pandemic levels, demonstrating a regional imbalance in global connectivity. Meanwhile, the Middle East experienced faster recovery in passenger traffic compared to Asia-Pacific, with traffic to Africa and Asia-Pacific significantly exceeding pre-pandemic figures. These shifts demonstrate the growing centrality of the Middle East in global aviation networks.
Challenges and Future Outlook for Airport Connectivity
Despite the positive trends, the aviation industry faces challenges that could impact future growth. Geopolitical tensions and evolving trade dynamics threaten to disrupt global air connectivity. To counteract these risks, it is crucial for airports and governments to invest in infrastructure, technology upgrades, and liberalized air services. These investments are necessary to enhance airport operations and ensure the sustained growth of air connectivity in the face of evolving global challenges. Additionally, it is essential that governments streamline visa policies and work towards transparent slot allocation frameworks to foster smoother international travel.

Rise of Airport City Clusters in 2025
The 2025 edition of the Air Connectivity Ranking introduces a new dimension: the City Connectivity Index. This index highlights the role of airport city clusters, such as Shenzhen–Hong Kong–Macau and Tokyo, in boosting connectivity. By leveraging multiple large airports in one urban region, these clusters can offer higher flight frequencies and more diversified routing options. Cities like Seoul, Taipei, and Bangkok stand out for offering exceptional connectivity relative to their population size. These urban agglomerations demonstrate how strategically integrated airports can enhance connectivity and optimize air travel efficiency.
Hub Airports with Connectivity Leadership
Hub airports have always been crucial to international aviation, and the 2025 rankings confirm their leadership in connectivity. Dubai International Airport is at the forefront, closely followed by Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Hamad International Airport. These airports excel in hub operations, providing a smooth transfer experience and offering extensive onward connectivity. Their ability to manage high passenger volumes while maintaining efficient connections has made them the gold standard for airports worldwide. The newly introduced Hub Connectivity Index evaluates the effectiveness of these hubs, highlighting their critical role in global air travel.
The 2024 air connectivity ranking demonstrates a remarkable recovery in both Asia-Pacific and the Middle East regions. The Middle East, in particular, has surpassed expectations with a 28% growth in connectivity, positioning itself as a leading global aviation hub. As airports across these regions continue to invest in infrastructure and technology, the future of air connectivity looks promising. However, continued collaboration between airports, governments, and airlines is essential to ensure sustained growth. The growth of airport city clusters and the leadership of hub airports further demonstrate the evolution of global air travel and its growing importance to both passengers and economies alike.