Changi Airport in Singapore isn’t just a travel hub; it’s a global benchmark for excellence. Regularly crowned the world’s best airport (with the 2025 title already in hand), it offers travellers a seamless, world-class experience. Now, Changi is setting its sights even higher with the highly anticipated Terminal 5 expansion.
Breaking ground in May 2023 under Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s leadership, Terminal 5 is projected to open in the mid-2030s. This architectural and technological marvel is designed to transform the world’s perception of air travel.
Here’s everything you need to know about the extension, its design, and what it means for Singapore and travellers alike.
Table of Contents
A Brief History of Changi Airport
A World-Class Legacy
Since its inception in 1981, Changi Airport has set the bar high for innovation and service. It’s not just an airport, it’s a destination that redefines how people experience air travel. Over the past decades, it has collected numerous accolades, earning the crown of “World’s Best Airport” multiple times.
A Central Pillar of Singapore
For the nation-city of Singapore, Changi Airport plays a dual role. It’s a gateway to the globe and a critical economic driver, supporting tourism, business, and connectivity in one of the busiest hubs in Asia.
More Than an Airport
Changi Airport has gained global recognition not only for its efficiency but also for its attractions. Its gardens, including butterfly and sunflower spaces, offer calm amidst travel. There’s a rooftop pool, a movie theatre, and of course, the iconic Changi Jewel. Completed in 2019, this 10-story retail and entertainment complex houses the world’s largest indoor waterfall, attracting millions of visitors each year—even those who aren’t flying.
Terminal 5 Vision and Design
A Mega Yet Cosy Concept
T5 incorporates a unique “mega yet cozy” vision. The goal? Deliver a personalised, stress-free, and human-centric travel experience on a grand scale. This isn’t just a terminal; it’s a self-contained microcity designed to blend efficiency with emotion.
Key Features To Watch
- Layered Roof System: Beyond aesthetics, the roof will facilitate ventilation and airflow, keeping travellers comfortable and the terminal eco-friendly.
- Pandemic-Responsive Ventilation: A cutting-edge ventilation system can activate during outbreaks to ensure safe air circulation.
- Adaptable Mini-Terminal Design: T5 can be divided into smaller sections for improved disease control, allowing areas to be easily isolated and monitored.
- Contactless, Biometric Entry: Keeping pace with global innovation, travellers will enjoy a document-free, seamless check-in process.
- Sustainability-Focused Solar Roof: The rooftop solar panels will generate enough electricity to power 20,000 four-room apartments annually.
Uniquely Singaporean
Trent Tesch, head designer of Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), expressed, “This is not just an airport. It’s a human-focused microcity that is lush, layered, and deeply Singaporean.” Every detail reflects Singapore’s tropical climate and local identity, creating an experience that is both functional and meaningful.
The Groundbreaking Journey
A Delayed But Optimised Start
Initially announced in 2013, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed Terminal 5’s original groundbreaking. While the pause set back timelines, it also allowed planners to incorporate lessons from the global health crisis, optimising the design for greater health safety.
A Forward-Looking Timeline
Construction officially began in May 2023, signalling Singapore’s renewed commitment to staying ahead in global aviation. Terminal 5 is scheduled for completion and operations in the mid-2030s, offering a timeline that promises world-class, sustainable infrastructure development.
The Future of Terminal 5
Central Hub for Airlines
Once operations begin, T5 will serve as the main terminal for Singapore Airlines and its low-cost carrier Scoot, enhancing operational efficiency and streamlining passenger journeys.
Advanced Passenger Experience
Leveraging smart technology, automation, and thoughtfully designed spaces, T5 will redefine what air travel can be. Personalised services, advanced navigation systems, and human-centric amenities promise a memorable experience for all travellers.
Commitment to Sustainability
Changi is doubling down on eco-conscious design with T5. From its solar-powered rooftop to energy-efficient systems, the new terminal prioritizes environmental responsibility without compromising performance.
Wider Impact
Economic Catalyst
The construction and operation of Terminal 5 will drive Singapore’s economy, creating thousands of jobs and boosting industries tied to travel, tourism, and logistics.
Increased Connectivity
With the capacity to support millions of additional passengers annually, T5 will further cement Singapore as a key global hub, connecting travellers to over 170 cities worldwide.
Enhanced Tourism
By combining cutting-edge design with ease of access, T5 will likely attract tourists looking to experience both the terminal and all that Singapore has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Terminal 5 open?
Terminal 5 is expected to open in the mid-2030s, following a meticulous construction process.
What unique features will T5 offer?
The terminal will include a biophilic design with a tropical flair, advanced technology like contactless biometric entry, pandemic-responsive ventilation, and a solar-powered rooftop.
Why is T5 important for Singapore?
T5 will expand Changi’s capacity, strengthen Singapore’s position as an aviation hub, and support the nation’s economy by creating jobs and boosting tourism.
How will T5 enhance the passenger experience?
With features like stress-free navigation, personalised services, and eco-friendly design, T5 aims to provide a unique and comfortable travel experience for every passenger.
Can non-travellers visit T5?
Like other parts of Changi Airport, it’s expected that T5 will offer attractions and features accessible to the public, like Changi Jewel.
A Bold Vision for the Future
Changi Airport’s Terminal 5 is more than an expansion; it’s a reimagining of what an airport can be. Seamlessly blending cutting-edge innovation, sustainability, and Singapore’s distinct cultural identity, T5 will redefine global air travel, cementing Changi’s legacy as a world-class aviation leader.
As Singaporeans and global travellers anticipate this exciting future, T5 is a beacon of what’s possible when vision meets execution.
For now, we watch the groundbreaking progress with excitement, because the future of air travel is being shaped today, right here in Singapore.