Changi Airport T5 breaks ground: SIA flights to reconsolidate there

On Wed, 14 May, the Prime Minister of Singapore and Minister of Finance, Mr Lawrence Wong, officiated the groundbreaking ceremony for Changi Airport Terminal 5 (T5), a mega terminal that will strengthen Changi Airport’s position as a leading air hub for travel.

With Asia-Pacific projected to be among the quickest growing air travel markets over the next 2 decades, the additional capacity at T5 will enable Singapore to ride on the long-term growth of aviation in the region and beyond.

T5 will be linked to the existing 4 terminals at Changi. This is so that the airport can operate as a single integrated air hub. T5 is designed to handle about 50 million passengers annually in its first phase, which is expected to begin in the mid-2030s, said Changi Airport Group (CAG) in a press release.

The Singapore Airlines Group, which currently operates across 3 terminals, will consolidate its operations under one roof at T5. There will also be room for other air carriers to expand their operations at T5 and Changi’s other terminals. Check out these highlights.

Enhanced connectivity

For the first time, T5 will see Changi Airport house a ground transportation centre that integrates train, bus, taxi and other transport services. Plans are also underway to extend both the Thomson-East Coast Line and the Cross Island Line to T5. This is to connect it to the city centre and other major hubs.

T5 also offers the possibility of enhanced air and sea connectivity for more seamless passenger travel. These include convenient links to neighbouring destinations via ferry.

An airport of the future

T5 will see extensive automation of both passenger-facing processes and back-end functions. Innovative technologies that are being trialled today for wider implementation by the time T5 opens will power these automated processes. These will enable the airport to operate technologies at scale in a sustainable manner, with reduced reliance on manpower.

On top of this, T5 will be a Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy building, which is more energy-efficient. To lower its carbon footprint, it will be powered by more green energy.

A cosy and convenient terminal

Inspired by Singapore’s unique blend of nature and city, T5’s design features overlapping curved roofs of varying heights. The ‘roof leaves’ break the mega terminal building into smaller spaces that are more human-scale. Combined with natural light and landscaping in suitable spaces, the terminal will emphasise the cosy yet uplifting feel that Changi is already known for.

To make it easier for passengers to get around the terminal, travellators as well as an automated people mover (APM) system similar to the Skytrain will reduce walking distances. The walking distances in T5 will be comparable to Changi’s current terminals.

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