Economic links are strong between ASEAN member states and the European Union, but direct air links between the two regions have not grown as quickly.

Making this point at the opening of the inaugural EU-ASEAN aviation summit on Tuesday, Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew said a growing number of travellers are flying via intermediate points, in particular through the "fast growing Middle East air hubs".

He said: "There is thus lots of potential for us to work together to enhance direct connectivity between the EU and ASEAN, for travellers' benefit and convenience.

The opening of the two-day conference coincides with the launch of Singapore Airshow 2014.