Construction of Singapore’s Changi Airport Terminal 5 (T5) has begun, with a groundbreaking ceremony held on Wednesday (14 May) to mark this significant milestone. The first phase of the terminal is expected to open in the mid-2030s, capable of handling about 50 million passengers annually.
As Asia Pacific is projected to be among the fastest growing air travel markets over the next two decades, the additional capacity at T5 will enable Singapore to ride on the long-term growth of aviation in the region and beyond.
T5 is located in Changi East, a 1,080-ha development which also includes the Changi East Industrial Zone (CEIZ) and the Changi East Urban District (CEUD). The CEIZ is aimed at augmenting Singapore’s position as a leading aircraft maintenance and integrated logistics and air cargo hub in the region, while the CEUD will serve as a vibrant business and lifestyle destination located at the doorstep of T5.
According to Changi Airport Group (CAG), Changi East is designed to withstand extreme weather and climate change effects. The airfield has an elevation of 5.5 m above sea level, and the aircraft taxiways are sloped to allow rainwater to drain off. The airfield drainage system is engineered to manage stormwater effectively during high tide especially with rising sea levels, and handle intense rainfall from extreme storms.
The design of T5 was proposed by a consortium led by KPF Associates, in partnership with Heatherwick Studio and architects61. The design work for T5 was paused in 2020 due to the pandemic and resumed in 2022. Earlier this month, CAG awarded the contracts for T5 substructure and airside infrastructure works.
Inspired by Singapore’s unique blend of nature and city, T5’s design concept is characterised by overlapping curved roofs with varying heights, shared CAG. The ‘roof leaves’ break the mega terminal building into smaller spaces that are more human scale. Combined with natural light and landscaping at appropriate spaces, the terminal will have the familiar cosy, yet uplifting, feel that Changi is known for.
CAG further highlighted that T5 will be a Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy building, which is more energy-efficient. It will be powered by more clean energy to reduce the carbon footprint of Changi Airport, and be equipped with building management systems that feature innovative and efficient systems design. The terminal’s rooftop solar system, which would be one of the largest in Singapore, can potentially generate enough energy to power up about 20,000 four-room HDB flats (Singapore’s public housing) for a year.
For the first time, T5 will see Changi Airport house a ground transportation centre, bringing together train, bus, taxi and other transport services – enhancing the airport’s connectivity to the rest of Singapore, added CAG. Plans are also in progress to extend both the Thomson-East Coast Line and the Cross Island Line to T5, to connect it to the city centre and other major hubs.
In addition, T5 will offer the possibility of enhanced air and sea connectivity, including convenient connections to neighbouring destinations via ferry services. When completed, T5 will be linked to existing terminals at Changi Airport, so that the airport can operate as a single integrated air hub.
All images and video: Changi Airport Group
