Singapore’s Changi International Airport, renowned for its exceptional service and amenities, has broken ground on a new terminal, Terminal 5. The terminal is expected to open in the mid-2030s and will feature a unique “mega yet cozy” design, according to Yam Kum Weng, CEO of the Changi Group. “It would deliver a personalized, stress-free and positively surprising airport experience,” he added.
Innovative Design
The terminal’s design incorporates several innovative features, including a ventilation system that can be activated during a pandemic and contactless entry points using biometrics. The layered roof design allows for air circulation and can split the terminal into mini-terminals for quick segregation or testing.
Trent Tesch, head designer for the project at Kohn Pedersen Fox, emphasized that “efficiency and experience are not mutually exclusive.” He added, “Too often, airports are designed as pure machines for movement — efficient but impersonal, reducing passengers to mere numbers in a system. Instead, T5 is conceived as a vibrant microcity that is distinctly Singaporean — lush, layered, and deeply human.”
Sustainability
The terminal is designed with Singapore’s tropical climate in mind, featuring a large rooftop solar power system that will generate enough power for about 20,000 four-room apartments per year. This sustainable design aligns with the airport’s goal of reducing its environmental impact.
Airport as Tourist Attraction
Changi Airport is known for its numerous activities and attractions, including gardens, play areas, a rooftop swimming pool, and a movie theater. The airport’s latest addition, Changi Jewel, is a 10-story luxury retail complex featuring the world’s largest indoor waterfall. This complex is accessible to visitors and non-travelers alike.
Future Expansion
When completed, Terminal 5 will become the primary terminal for Singapore Airlines and its low-cost carrier Scoot, currently scattered across other terminals. With over 68 million passengers passing through Changi in the past year, the airport is the fourth busiest air hub in the world, offering direct flights to 170 cities.