Singapore Changi Airport is solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading air hubs with a multibillion-dollar expansion plan anchored by the construction of Terminal 5 (T5) and extensive upgrades across existing terminals.

Changi Airport, which ranked as the fourth busiest international airport in 2024 with 41.5 million airline seat capacity, aims to grow its connectivity to over 200 cities by the mid-2030s. Currently, over 100 airlines operate more than 7,200 weekly flights, connecting Singapore to 170 cities across 49 countries and territories.

The centrepiece of this strategic growth is the development of T5, which will begin construction in the first half of 2025. With a capacity to serve 50 million passengers annually, T5 will be one of Singapore’s most ambitious infrastructure projects. Substructure and airside contracts valued at S$3.8 billion and S$950 million respectively have been awarded, covering foundation works, basements, taxiways, remote aircraft stands and ancillary buildings across a 140-hectare site.

T5 is part of the broader Changi East development, which also includes a third runway scheduled for operational readiness by Q4 2027. Previously a military runway, it has been extended from 2.75km to 4km to accommodate commercial aircraft, and will be linked to the main airport via 40km of new taxiways.

In addition to the T5 project, Changi Airport Group (CAG) announced a S$3 billion investment plan for Terminals 1 to 4. This six-year initiative will enhance passenger services including baggage handling, check-in, immigration, and inter-terminal Skytrain connectivity—ensuring readiness to meet rising passenger volumes ahead of T5’s opening.

Passenger traffic has already rebounded strongly. In 2024, Changi Airport recorded 67.7 million passenger movements—99.1% of pre-pandemic levels—with Q1 2025 surpassing last year’s figures by 4.3%. North America saw the highest year-on-year growth at 15.8%, with China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, and Thailand remaining top markets.

Changi Airport’s relentless pursuit of excellence was recently reaffirmed as it was named the World’s Best Airport 2025 by Skytrax—for a record 13th time. It also secured awards for Best Airport Dining, Best Airport Washrooms, and Best Airport in Asia.

With over US$3 billion committed to T5 and another S$3 billion to terminal upgrades, Singapore is demonstrating its commitment to staying ahead in the competitive global aviation landscape. As passenger needs and industry dynamics evolve, Changi Airport continues to set the benchmark through innovation, infrastructure, and world-class service.