Singapore has been known as one of the world’s leading logistics hubs for decades. In 2024, the Port of Singapore handled over 41 million twenty foot equivalent units (TEU) of containerised cargo and more than 626 million tonnes of general cargo. While between 1.8 million and 2.01 million tonnes of cargo travel through Singapore’s airport. Together, that equates to more than 20% of the world’s cargo. It’s a lot. And Singapore’s status is growing. Its ports – both sea and air – are becoming busier. In fact, the Singapore Freight and Logistics Market is expected to reach USD 24.53 billion by the end of 2025, achieving a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.32%. So, what makes Singapore so useful for importers and exporters?
Six Reasons Why Singapore Is a Strategic Hub for Air Freight in Asia
Location, location, location
There’s no denying that Singapore occupies a strategically useful location. Situated at the crossroads of major air and sea routes, and sitting at the heart of Southeast Asia, it’s the perfect gateway to the markets of Asia. In fact, air freight from Singapore can reach any major Asian city within a 7-hour flight. So, if you’re looking for a hub from which you can serve and expand your Asian market, Singapore is a peerless choice.
Airport infrastructure
Changi Airport has been a favourite with passengers for years. It’s clean, it’s bright, it’s comfortable, and the Orchid Garden and Koi Pond in Terminal 2 is almost a destination in itself! But thanks to ongoing technical and logistical upgrades, it’s also one of the best for cargo. As well as state-of-the-art cargo handling facilities, cold chain solutions for perishables, and temperature-controlled warehouses, Changi also offers a Free Trade Zone (FTZ). That means that it allows transshipment cargo to be handled with minimal customs formalities, which significantly reduces both costs and turnaround times.
Connectivity
More than 100 airlines have routes through Singapore, connecting to more than 300 cities in 70 countries. That’s a lot of movement for a country roughly 330 times smaller than the UK. For importers and exporters, this means that consistent connectivity is always ensured.
Pro-business, pro-trade
It’s not just the efficiency of the airport that makes Singapore such a useful hub for the movement of goods. The country is known for its transparent regulatory framework. It has strong intellectual property laws. And highly efficient customs procedures. Together, this makes it one of the easiest places to do business in the world.
The Singaporean government has also invested heavily in digitising trade and logistics processes. With things like the Networked Trade Platform (NTP) and TradeNet, documentation and data sharing have been simplified. Which makes the whole process of freight movement so much more efficient.
Logistics and workforce
Singapore is home to a thriving logistics ecosystem that includes global freight forwarders, third-party logistics providers (3PLs), integrators, and specialised service providers. Which is why some of the biggest names in logistics have regional hubs there. Helped by the government’s commitment to workforce development, which ensures a steady supply of skilled logistics professionals, whenever they are needed.
Like everything else right now, the logistics sector is in a state of evolution. AI, automation, and other technological advancements are changing how we work and live. And this influence is clear on the changing processes impacting air freight in Singapore. Changi Airport is expanding, with a new terminal increasing capacity. While the government continues to invest in sustainability and technology, seeking to secure long-term growth. And for anyone whose business relies on international freight movement, that can only be a good thing.
Are you looking for a freight partner who can support your business with air freight to Singapore? Get in touch to find out how Plexus Freight can help.
