Infrastructure of Changi Airport

The infrastructure of Changi Airport includes passenger terminals, runways, taxiways, maintenance buildings and services, and ground support equipment.

As the country's primary international airport, it was designed for current needs and future expansion to double its passenger's handling.

Phase 1 included the construction of terminal 1, the first runway, 45 aircraft parking bays, support facilities and structures, including a large maintenance hangar, the first fire station, workshops and administrative offices, an airfreight complex, two cargo agents' buildings, in-flight catering kitchens and a 80 m (260 ft) control tower.

The air traffic control tower (ATC) was constructed in Phase One, sited in between the first two runways and stands at about 81 m above mean sea level (AMSL).

[13] With Changi-based Singapore Airlines being the launch customer for the Airbus A380, works to ensure full capability in handling the large aircraft were given priority in time for its introduction in October 2007.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore spent S$60 million in upgrading the two existing terminals and airport infrastructure, including enlarged gate hold rooms, new finger piers, and extended baggage belt carousels from the normal 70 to 90 m (230 to 300 ft).

The design consists of a circular structure, reminiscent of a doughnut, with a large garden and located at the centre is the HSBC Rain Vortex.

[16] As part of the project, Terminal 1 is expanded to allow more space for the arrival hall, baggage claim areas and taxi bays.

Configured in an H-shaped layout to maximise the number of aerobridges that could be built, it underwent two major upgrading works over its lifespan.

On 7 March 2012, Minister of State for Transport Josephine Teo said that the open-air car park between Terminal 1 and Changi's iconic control tower will be redeveloped into a multi-use complex.

This new complex will be integrated with the existing building, and will increase Terminal 1's public areas, pick-up driveways, and car park spaces.

[28] The larger floor area provides for more spatial comfort, better passenger flow, additional facilities and expanded retail and F&B offerings.

[29] As of September 2019, another S$323 million upgrade of Terminal 1 was completed,[30] comes mainly from the addition of more self-service check-in kiosks as well as bag-drop machines that allow travellers to print their own luggage tags.

[37] In addition Terminal 2 houses the offices of the Air Accident Investigation Bureau of Singapore and Changi Airport Group.

[46][47][48][49] A section of the iconic analogue flip board showing departures has been displayed at the National Museum of Singapore as part of a transport history exhibition.

However, all Singapore Airlines flights to Maldives, Nepal, Japan (with the exception of SQ 12 to Tokyo (Narita) as it continues on to Los Angeles) and South Korea depart from Terminal 2, as of 2024.

[58] On 31 May 2022, Singapore Airlines fully reopened its SilverKris and KrisFlyer Gold lounges at Changi Airport Terminal 3, after a $50 million upgrading project that began in 2019.

Changi Airport Group (CAG) has given out all its 80+ concession contracts to various retail and food and beverage outlets including but not limited to Charles & Keith, Coach & Furla, Gassan Watches, Michael Kors, London Fat Duck, Old Street Bak Kut Teh and Sushi Goshin by Akashi.

[69] Concurrent with the development of Terminal 4, major airfield works were undertaken to increase the number of aircraft parking stands to support the needs of all airlines operating at Changi.

An overhead vehicular bridge across Airport Boulevard was also constructed to enable buses and other airside vehicles to move from T4 to these aircraft stands.

Bus Gates H1 to H8 are located on the ground floor in an annex next to the Heritage Zone and serve planes that are parked at remote stands.

[88] On 5 March 2020, Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan suggested that Terminal 5 was among the projects that could be delayed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, although it was still "manageable".

[90][91] On 17 May 2022, at the Changi Aviation Summit, Transport Minister S Iswaran announced that Terminal 5 construction works were expected to commence in about 2–3 years.

[92] “We have taken the opportunity of the two-year hiatus to comprehensively review the T5 design to make it more modular and flexible, and enhance its resilience and sustainability.

On 21 August 2022, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced the full resumption of the construction of Terminal 5, and that it was also redesigned to make it more resilient to future pandemics and more environmentally friendly.

[97] From two different lounges with 24-hour napping areas, showers and spa facilities, to hotel and pool amenities, this airport also includes Singapore Tours (created for those in transit for more than 5 hours who are granted a special pass to leave the airport on one of two city tour options[98]), Nature Trail (with six themed garden reserves) and comprehensive dining and entertainment options.

[99] In terms of sales, the airport outstrips other shopping malls in Singapore, including those in top tourist spots such as Orchard Road.

The Changi Airport Group derives 55% of its total annual revenue from non-aeronautical sources,[100] such as office and warehouse rental.

The airport derives the majority of its commercial revenue from duty-free shopping, with the most popular items being liquor and tobacco, perfume and cosmetics, and luxury goods.

Within the international transit area of the interconnected Terminals 1,2 and 3,[111] internet and games facilities, prayer rooms, showers, spas, gym, swimming pool and a hotel are provided.