Singapore Changi Airport commences operations in the northern wing of Terminal 2 (T2) today after three and a half years of engineering works. A formal grand opening ceremony is set to take place in early November this year.
This commissioning comes after extended engineering works which were aimed at extending the life of critical systems and expanding the terminal’s capacity.
Changi Airport’s overall capacity now reaches a staggering 90 million passengers per annum (mppa), with T2’s handling capacity alone increased by five mppa to 28 mppa.
A Recovering Travel Industry
The timing of this capacity boost couldn’t be better as the air travel industry at Changi Airport continues its steady recovery.
In August 2023, passenger traffic at Changi Airport reached approximately 87% of pre-Covid levels.
The southern wing of T2, reopened in May 2022 for arrivals and October 2022 for departures, has been instrumental in serving an increasing number of passengers following the easing of international border restrictions earlier in the year.
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While numerous shops, dining options, facilities, and amenities are already open, passengers can look forward to the full suite of T2 attractions, stores, and restaurants being launched progressively in the coming weeks.
The grand reopening of T2 will be celebrated with an event in early November 2023, marking a momentous occasion in Changi Airport’s history.
T2 Expansion Project
The T2 expansion project has not only increased capacity but also improved passenger experience. It added a substantial 15,500 square meters to the terminal building, allowing for additional infrastructure, new systems, and an array of retail offerings.
The departure hall now boasts a central common-use Fast and Seamless Travel (FAST) zone, equipped with more automated check-in kiosks and bag drop machines.
Immigration halls have also been expanded to support additional automated immigration lanes, including automated Special Assistance Lanes at both arrival and departure immigration—a first for Changi.
Sustainable and Efficient
Changi Airport is committed to sustainability. Critical systems and building equipment that had reached the end of their life were upgraded to more efficient models. A new chiller plant now delivers cooling at 30% lower energy consumption.
In the baggage claim hall, two existing baggage belts have been lengthened to handle a higher volume of bags, catering to wide-body aircraft.
The terminal’s baggage handling system has been fortified with enhanced security features, and its early baggage storage system has been upgraded from semi-automated to fully-automated, allowing for the storage of some 2,400 bags at any given time.
These upgrades significantly enhance manpower productivity while reducing the airport’s environmental footprint.
One of the standout features of the T2 expansion is its design concept inspired by nature. Natural materials adorn the wall cladding and flooring, complemented by lush green columns showcasing a distinctive array of plants.
This design creates a serene and soothing atmosphere for both passengers and visitors, fostering a sense of tranquility and relaxation in the midst of the bustling airport environment.
A Grateful Acknowledgment
Mr. Tan Lye Teck, Changi Airport Group’s Programme Director for the Terminal 2 Expansion Project, expressed his gratitude, saying,
“We extend our deep gratitude to the Ministry of Transport, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, and Immigration & Checkpoints Authority, as well as other agencies and partners for their unwavering support toward the T2 Expansion Project.”
“We also greatly appreciate the entire airport community for their close collaboration and steadfast partnership. We commit to delivering exceptional customer service and look forward to taking the passenger experience to new heights with the refreshed T2.”
Expanding Airline Operations
Since May 2022, the terminal has successfully handled over 8.7 million passenger movements, served by 12 airlines.
Effective today, three major airlines, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines (flights to Southeast Asia, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka), and Swiss, will begin operating from the northern wing of T2.
Singapore Airlines’ First Class Check-In Reception and the SATS Premier Check-In Lounge have also opened in the terminal.
Looking ahead, Air Japan, All Nippon Airways, Etihad, Indigo, and Singapore Airlines’ flights to Maldives and Nepal will also move to T2 next month.
This move will bring the total number of airlines operating at T2 to an impressive 16, solidifying Changi Airport’s status as a premier global aviation hub.
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