SINGAPORE – Changi Airport is gearing up for a major transformation with a planned investment of S$3 billion (approximately US$2.26 billion) over the next six years. These upgrades are designed to enhance the passenger experience and meet the growing demand for air travel.
Skytrain Expansion and Upgrades
As part of these improvements, seven new Skytrain cars will be added to ease congestion during peak hours, bringing the total fleet to 29 cars. This expansion is crucial as the airport anticipates handling more than 65 million passengers from October 2023 to September 2024—surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
- Current Skytrain fleet: 22 cars, capacity of 50 passengers each.
- New cars slated for operation by 2026.
Mr Koh Ming Sue, executive vice-president of engineering and development at Changi Airport Group (CAG), highlighted the necessity of these updates to maintain Changi’s competitive edge against other regional airports.
Terminal Improvements
Terminal 3, which opened in 2008, is set for major renovations to enhance facilities and systems. Upgrades will aim to maximise handling capacity and energy efficiency, treating passengers to a more streamlined experience.
- Expansion of arrival immigration halls at Terminal 1 by 2026.
- New rooftop baggage handling system to improve efficiency.
To tackle growing passenger numbers, the baggage storage capacity will rise from 8,000 to 10,000 bags across all terminals by 2029.
Future Ready: Terminal 5 and Aircraft Parking
Plans for Terminal 5 are underway, set to begin construction in 2025. This new facility is expected to accommodate an additional 50 million passengers annually, significantly boosting Changi’s total capacity.
Along with terminal enhancements, the airport will also increase the number of remote aircraft parking stands, bringing the total over 200 to meet rising demand. Improvements to taxiways and contact stands will ensure readiness for the new Boeing 777-9 jets, which present unique pavement stress due to their weight.
Focus on Staff Well-Being
CAG isn’t forgetting those behind the scenes either. Enhanced staff facilities, including upgraded lounges and lightning shelters, are part of the budget. Innovations like artificial intelligence in security screenings will increase operational efficiency, tackling the essential issue of manpower constraints in the airport environment.
Mr Yam Kum Weng, CEO of CAG, emphasised these investments are crucial to facilitating more flights and better connectivity for passengers, ensuring that Singapore remains a premier international air hub.