Construction for Changi Airport Terminal 5 will begin in the first half of 2025, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced at the Civil Aviation Authority Singapore (CAAS) 40th Anniversary dinner on 6 September 2024. The new terminal is expected to add capacity for another 50 million passengers each year, on top of Changi’s current capacity of 90 million. This expansion aims to enhance connectivity, transform the passenger experience, and create more jobs.
## Background
PM Wong emphasised the importance of the aviation industry sharpening its competitive edge and developing new advantages. He noted that countries in the region and beyond are making significant investments to expand and improve their airport infrastructure, with some planning mega airports capable of handling over 100 million passengers annually. Singapore aims to grow its current 150 city links to over 200 by the mid-2030s.
## Terminal 5
T5, a mega terminal, is slated to open in the mid-2030s. The terminal will be separated from the rest of the airport by surface taxiways and one of the airport’s runways. Located at the new 1,080ha Changi East development, the total project cost is upwards of S$722 million. This figure, reported by the Straits Times, is derived from a new line item in the government’s projected development expenditure for Budget 2024 related to construction work for the T2 Connection.
## Enhancing Connectivity
PM Wong highlighted the strategic importance of expanding Singapore’s connectivity. “We are already well connected, with almost 150 city links today. But we aim to grow this further, to over 200 links in the mid-2030s,” he said. This expansion is crucial as other countries are narrowing the gap with Singapore by investing in their airport infrastructure.
## International Centre for Aviation Innovation
PM Wong also mentioned the International Centre for Aviation Innovation set up by CAAS, along with the International Aviation Lab. These initiatives aim to drive airport operations and transformation globally within the next two years. “Countries in our region and beyond are making significant investments to expand and improve their airport infrastructure, to capture more of this traffic,” he added.
## Future Implications
The construction of T5 is a significant step in maintaining Singapore’s status as a global aviation hub. With the projected increase in passenger capacity and city links, Singapore is positioning itself to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving aviation industry. The development of T5 and related infrastructure will not only enhance connectivity but also support economic growth and job creation in the region.
