World’s best expands as Singapore’s Changi Airport builds mega Terminal 5

International

RIDING high on its recent recognition as the world's best airport for 2025, Singapore's Changi International Airport has officially begun construction on its ambitious fifth terminal (T5), aiming for a mid-2030s opening.

The groundbreaking ceremony, led by Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on May 14, marks a significant expansion for the city-state's singular international aviation hub. Uniquely, every flight at Changi is international, allowing for seamless passenger flow throughout the airport's public spaces.

In a report by CNN, Changi Group CEO Yam Kum Weng described the vision for T5 as "mega yet cozy," emphasizing the goal of delivering "a personalized, stress-free and positively surprising airport experience."

Originally slated for a 2020 groundbreaking after its 2013 announcement, the T5 project faced delays due to the coronavirus pandemic. This pause, however, allowed for the integration of crucial health-focused design elements, including a specialized ventilation system for pandemic conditions and fully contactless entry points, aligning with Changi's biometric-focused, document-free strategy.

The terminal's innovative layered roof design will not only facilitate air circulation but also enable the division of the terminal into independent "mini-terminals" for rapid passenger segregation or disease testing if needed.

Upon completion, T5 will become the primary base for Singapore Airlines and its low-cost carrier Scoot, consolidating their operations from across the airport's existing terminals.

Changi's consistent top rankings are attributed not just to efficiency but also to its impressive array of passenger amenities, including themed gardens, play areas, a giant slide, a rooftop pool, and a movie theater. The 2019 addition of Changi Jewel, a luxury retail complex featuring the world's largest indoor waterfall, further enhances its appeal as a destination in itself, even for non-travelers.

Trent Tesch, head designer for the project at Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), a collaborating firm, highlighted the design philosophy in a CNN report: "T5 is conceived as a vibrant microcity that is distinctly Singaporean — lush, layered, and deeply human," moving beyond the purely functional design of many airports.

Mindful of Singapore's tropical climate, T5 will incorporate a large rooftop solar power system, projected by KPF to generate enough electricity to power around 20,000 four-room apartments annually.

With over 68 million passengers passing through in the last year, connecting to 170 cities, Changi's Terminal 5 signifies Singapore's ongoing commitment to its status as a leading global air hub.(MyTVCebu)