Singapore plans to start construction of a new mega terminal at Changi Airport in the first half of next year. The ambitious project aims to increase the airport's capacity by up to 50 million passengers a year, according to Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, quoted by the SCMP at an event to mark the 40th anniversary of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore.
The Changi Terminal 5 project, which has been in the works for more than a decade, was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the strategic project is now back on track.
Changi's Capacity Expansion
The new Terminal 5 will significantly increase the airport's capacity, allowing it to handle an additional 50 million passengers per year once fully operational by the mid-2030s. Currently, the airport has a capacity of 90 million passengers per year.
In addition, network expansion plans include the addition of more than 50 new routes, bringing the total number of destinations accessible from Singapore to more than 200 cities.
Expanding Flight Connectivity
Citing The Straits Times, Mr. Wong said the Singapore government is working with international partners to liberalize air services agreements to allow for more flights. This year alone, Singapore has signed new agreements with Ukraine and renewed agreements with the Philippines and Saudi Arabia.
He also emphasized the importance of innovation in the aviation industry, such as efficient airspace management and the testing of autonomous vehicles at Changi Airport. In addition, a new International Aviation Laboratory has been established to develop efficient methods of handling aircraft, passengers and baggage.
Regional Airport Competition
Changi Airport, a major hub in Southeast Asia, demonstrated strong performance by serving nearly 60 million passengers last year, marking a significant recovery from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, competition in the regional aviation sector is intensifying. Cities across the region are working to expand their airport capacity to attract growing numbers of passengers. According to Airports Council International, global air passenger traffic is expected to grow significantly, reaching nearly 20 billion passengers by 2042.
Singapore Aviation Forecast
Anticipating rapid growth in global air passenger traffic, Prime Minister Wong expressed hope that Singapore's aviation sector can grow sustainably while contributing to climate change efforts.
Welcoming the launch of the Aviation Carbon Reduction Blueprint by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) in February, Prime Minister Wong stressed the importance of moving towards more sustainable aviation practices. He acknowledged the challenges in implementing the Blueprint, noting that its success will require greater commitment and effort from all stakeholders.
In line with global commitments, Prime Minister Wong underscored Singapore's role as an active player in the international aviation sector. He highlighted the achievements of the Singapore Aviation Academy, which has trained more than 160,000 aviation professionals from over 200 countries, supported by an increased investment of $120 million.
