Groundbreaking ceremony for Changi’s mega Terminal 5

The Prime Minister of Singapore today officiated at the groundbreaking ceremony for Changi Airport’s new “mega terminal”, Terminal 5, which operator CAG states “will strengthen the gateway’s position as a leading air hub”.

According to Changi Airport Group (CAG), T5 will be powered by state-of-the-art airport systems and extensive automation that will allow the airport to significantly increase its handling capacity, optimise operations and leverage new opportunities as travel demand continues to increase in the decades ahead.

Although linked to the existing terminals at Changi Airport, CAG notes that Terminal 5 can operate as a single integrated air hub.

It is designed to handle about 50 million passengers annually in its first phase which is expected to open in the mid-2030s.

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

The Singapore Airlines Group, which currently operates across three 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.

A mega-yet-cosy terminal 

Inspired by Singapore’s unique blend of nature and city, T5’s design concept is said to be characterised by a unique collection of overlapping curved roofs with varying heights.

The ‘roof leaves’ break the mega terminal building into smaller spaces that are more human scale. Combined with natural light and landscaping at appropriate spaces, the terminal will have the familiar cosy, yet uplifting, feel that Changi is 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.

CAG CEO, Yam Kum Weng, said, “Our vision is for T5 to be mega yet cosy, a terminal that embraces the Changi DNA – delivering a personalised, stress free and positively surprising airport experience.”

You can read more about the new terminal in the next issue of Asia-Pacific & Middle East Airports magazine.