Australian corporate travellers are increasingly routing flights to Europe via Singapore as airlines adjust to ongoing disruption in Middle East airspace.
New figures from Flight Centre Travel Group’s (FCTG) business divisions, FCM Travel and Corporate Traveller, show bookings between Australia and Europe via Singapore Changi Airport jumped 38 per cent between 2 and 15 March 2026, compared with the previous fortnight.
The surge comes as companies look for reliable routing options while conflict in the Middle East disrupts traditional flight paths.
According to the travel management companies, Changi‘s extensive airline network and strong connectivity are helping it absorb redirected demand.
For travel advisors, however, the changes mean navigating shifting inventory, evolving flight paths and tighter decision windows.
“The safety and well-being of our customers and staff is our top priority – we continue to closely and actively monitor the situation,” FCM Travel and Corporate Traveller Global COO Melissa Elf said.
“Business travel is known for its resilience and flexibility, with companies looking at alternative routes that are safe to travel through, rather than cancelling.
“Global economies don’t stop, and our latest data show that corporates continue to find ways to get deals done through alternative routes.
“The majority of Europe to Australia flight connections operate via Asian hubs, not the Middle East, including Singapore and other regional airports, with these routes continuing to operate normally.”
While flights to Europe through Asia “continue to operate normally”, Elf says high loads mean less availability on some routes.
“Travel Managers and passengers should note that seat availability on these alternative routes is limited and subject to rapid change. Securing a booking is essential,” she remarked.
“As a travel management company, we continue to assist as we can access different inventory systems, manage re-bookings, and handle ticketing complexities, significantly easing the burden on travellers and their companies.”
Elsewhere in Asia, other hubs are also becoming more important for Aussie business travellers. Read more about that here.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Singapore’s continued rise as a gateway to Europe shows how quickly routes adapt. For travel advisors and travel managers, flexibility and strong airline partnerships are becoming essential tools in keeping travellers moving.
