Singapore will commence construction on Changi Airport’s new Terminal 5 in the first half of 2025, marking a significant step in the city-state’s plans to enhance its position as a major air hub in the region. Once operational in the mid-2030s, Terminal 5 will add capacity for up to 50 million passengers annually, bringing Changi’s total capacity to 140 million. The development comes as part of a long-term strategy to expand Singapore’s air connectivity, aiming to link the airport to over 200 cities by the terminal’s completion.
Terminal 5’s design has been refined following lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, incorporating a modular setup that allows it to operate as smaller sub-terminals when needed. This flexibility will enable the facility to adapt to changing passenger volumes and create contingency spaces during disruptions. Changi Airport Group (CAG) previewed this approach in August 2022, highlighting innovations that also aim to improve the passenger experience. Alongside the new terminal, Singapore has been advancing liberalisation in its air service agreements to increase international flight frequency and options.
With global passenger numbers expected to double by 2040, Singapore’s aviation sector is pursuing innovation and sustainability as central pillars of growth. The government’s initiatives include the Sustainable Air Hub Blueprint, which targets aviation emissions reduction, as well as new technologies like autonomous baggage-handling vehicles and enhanced airspace management systems to minimise fuel consumption. Additionally, the establishment of the International Aviation Lab is set to drive advancements in handling aircraft, passengers, and baggage, with collaboration from various industry stakeholders.
Singapore also maintains its commitment to training global aviation professionals, supported by a SGD 120 million (USD 90 million) upgrade to the Singapore Aviation Academy. Since its founding, the academy has trained over 160,000 professionals from more than 200 countries, contributing to Singapore’s international role in aviation development. Moving forward, Singaporeans will have the opportunity to engage with the nation’s aviation vision in a public exhibition planned for 2025, showcasing the future of Singapore’s role in the global aviation sector.
(Sources: Prime Minister’s Office; The Straits Time)
