Singapore’s Changi Airport, consistently ranked among the best airports worldwide, will begin work on Terminal 5. Here are the details of the new terminal, work on which started today.
Singapore Changi Airport breaks Ground on Terminal 5
Singapore’s iconic Changi Airport, consistently ranked among the world’s best airports, has officially begun construction of its highly anticipated Terminal 5 (T5), marking a significant milestone for global aviation infrastructure. The groundbreaking ceremony, conducted on May 14, 2025, by Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, officially marked the commencement of the expansion of Changi Airport.
Artist’s Representation of Changi Airport Terminal 5 (Courtesy Changi Airport Group)
Scheduled for completion in the early 2030s, Terminal 5 is set to revolutionise passenger experience and operational efficiency at Changi. Designed to handle approximately 50 million passengers annually, T5 will nearly double Changi Airport’s current annual passenger handling capacity to around 140 million passengers. This expansion aligns perfectly with Singapore’s ambition to remain at the forefront of global aviation hubs, particularly as air travel demand in the Asia-Pacific is projected to soar.
The ambitious design of T5 reflects not just scale but thoughtful, passenger-centric innovations. Spread across approximately 1,080 hectares, the terminal will be connected to the existing terminals via a seamless automated people mover system, significantly enhancing connectivity within Changi. Additionally, the terminal will integrate cutting-edge digital solutions, enabling quicker check-ins, smoother immigration processes, and efficient baggage handling systems powered by automation and artificial intelligence.
Artists Representation of Changi Airport Terminal 5 APM (Courtesy Changi Airport Group)
For the first time, T5 will feature a ground transportation centre at Changi Airport, bringing together train, bus, taxi, and other transportation services. It will enhance Changi’s connectivity to the rest of Singapore, making the airport accessible not just for travel, but also as a destination for residents to enjoy. Plans are underway to extend both the Thomson-East Coast Line and the Cross Island Line to T5, connecting it to the city centre and other major hubs.
A unique feature of Terminal 5 will be its adaptability. Constructed with modular designs and expandable infrastructure, T5 can swiftly adjust to varying passenger traffic demands, effectively future-proofing Changi Airport against fluctuating global aviation trends. This flexibility is crucial in ensuring operational resilience, a lesson vividly underscored during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sustainability is also at the core of T5’s development. With ambitious goals of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, the terminal will integrate renewable energy sources, energy-efficient building systems, and advanced water management technologies to achieve its sustainability objectives. Its infrastructure will include extensive greenery and sustainable materials, showcasing Singapore’s commitment to environmental stewardship within aviation.
Changi Airport Group (CAG) Chief Executive Yam Kum Weng highlighted this commitment during the ceremony, noting,
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. As a new gateway to Singapore, T5 offers new possibilities and will bring new surprises. It will offer yet another vibrant space for families, friends and the airport community to gather and bond.
Terminal 5’s development is closely tied to Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its subsidiary, Scoot, which will relocate its entire operations to T5 upon its opening.
Bottomline
Changi, after pausing work on Terminal 5 due to the pandemic in 2020, is now resuming work. The airport broke ground on Terminal 5 today, and this is expected to be completed by early 2030s, when Singapore Airlines and group airline Scoot will move in there and consolidate their operations.
What do you think of an even bigger Changi Airport?
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