Identifying competitive position for sixteen major Asia-Pacific hubs after the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly disrupted global aviation networks, with long-haul connectivity particularly affected. This study assesses the evolving competitive positions of sixteen major hub airports in the Asia-Pacific region by analyzing their transfer-connectivity performance before and after the pandemic. Using flight schedule data from the Innovata Worldwide Flight Schedules Database, three key indicators are employed: Quantity of Viable Connections (QVC), Hub Connectivity Performance Index (HCPI), and Hub Efficiency Index (HEI). Two reference weeks—September 2019 and September 2023—were selected to represent pre- and post-pandemic conditions. The results show that Northeast Asian hubs such as Seoul Incheon (ICN), Tokyo Narita (NRT), and Taipei Taoyuan (TPE) have retained dominant roles in trans-Pacific connectivity, with ICN ranking first in QVC and TPE leading in both HEI and HCPI. TPE also surpassed Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) in QVC, signaling a strategic shift in hub competitiveness. In contrast, airports in mainland China (PEK, PVG, CAN) and HKG experienced significant declines following the pandemic. As the global aviation sector recovers, airports with lower QVC are encouraged to reinstate suspended routes and explore new market pairings, while those with weaker HCPI or HEI performance should focus on reducing connection times and improving schedule coordination. This study provides empirical insights into the post-COVID restructuring of hub dynamics and offers strategic guidance for policymakers and airport authorities committed to restoring and enhancing connectivity in an increasingly competitive global air transport landscape.