In the first six months of 2025, a number of Asian countries witnessed unrivaled international passenger air traffic growth, indicating a strong global tourism rebound and renewed inter-border travel. South Korea, China, Japan, India, and Singapore have turned out to be leaders in this aerospace resurgence with each nation recording all-time highs that exceed pre-COVID pandemic trajectories.

South Korea: A Record-Breaking Surge

South Korea’s international air passenger traffic reached a historic high in the first half of 2025, with over 46 million travelers flying to or from the country. This marks a 7.6% increase compared to the same period in 2024 and surpasses the previous record of 45.5 million set in 2019. The surge is attributed to the normalization of overseas travel, particularly to China and Japan, and the expansion of flight routes. Notably, China accounted for 7.81 million passengers, reflecting a 24.3% year-on-year increase, partly due to China’s visa-exemption program for South Korean visitors implemented in November 2024.

China: Soaring to New Heights

China’s aviation sector has experienced a significant rebound, with the Civil Aviation Administration of China reporting a record 90.2 million passengers during the 2025 Spring Festival travel season, a 7.4% increase from the previous year. This growth is driven by relaxed visa policies, allowing citizens from 47 countries to enter visa-free for 30 days and travelers from 55 countries to apply for a 10-day transit visa on arrival. Cities like Shanghai and Beijing have seen substantial increases in international arrivals, with Shanghai’s international tourist numbers up nearly 40% and Beijing’s visa-free entries doubling compared to the previous year.

Japan: A Surge in International Arrivals

Japan’s tourism sector has witnessed a remarkable resurgence, with international arrivals reaching a record high of 3.7 million in May 2025, a 21.5% increase year-on-year. The Japan National Tourism Organization attributes this growth to the expansion of flight routes to smaller cities and the weakening of the Japanese yen, making travel more affordable for tourists. Additionally, the country’s rich cultural heritage and modern infrastructure continue to attract visitors from around the world.

India: Climbing the Global Aviation Ladder

India’s aviation market has ascended to the third position globally in terms of passenger traffic, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The country recorded 174 million passengers in 2024, accounting for 4.2% of global air traffic. This growth is fueled by increased domestic and international connectivity, with new routes being consistently implemented to meet consumer demand. The government’s focus on expanding aviation infrastructure and promoting regional connectivity has played a pivotal role in this achievement.

Singapore: Changi Airport Sets New Records

Singapore’s Changi Airport has set a new benchmark in passenger traffic, handling 17.2 million passenger movements in the first quarter of 2025, a 4.3% increase from the same period in 2024. The airport’s total passenger traffic for the year reached a record high of 68.4 million, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. The growth is attributed to strong demand from key markets such as China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, and Thailand, with North America registering the highest growth at 15.8%.

Implications for Global Tourism
The surge in international air travel across these nations underscores a broader trend of recovery in global tourism. Factors contributing to this growth include:

Less Restrictive Visas: Those countries have made their visa requirements easier to gain more foreign travelers.

Economic Factors: Fluctuations in currency exchange rates, such as the weakening of the Japanese yen, have made travel more affordable.

Infrastructure Investments: Upgrades to airports and expansion of flight routes have improved connectivity and capacity.

Cultural Sights: Abundant cultural wealth and contemporary comforts still attract travelers in pursuit of various experiences.

As their countries expand their airlines and tourism promotion through various initiatives, the first six months in 2025 reflect the rebound and recovery of the world travel industry.

References:
Civil Aviation Administration of China, Japan National Tourism Organization, International Air Transport Association, Singapore Changi Airport, Korea Airports Corporation.