Twelve years ago, the Singapore government had announced T5 (terminal five) of the Changi Airport. On Wednesday, May 14, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong visited the facility to take part at the Groundbreaking Ceremony.
The mega terminal had been in the planning for several years before facing delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the government used the pause to refresh and improve its plans, and construction is now ready to restart.
T5 is expected to be a game-changer for air travel in the Asia-Pacific region, which is projected to see the highest growth in aviation over the coming decades, PM Wong said.
Once completed, T5 will occupy a land area equal to all other existing terminals at Changi combined and will expand the airport’s total passenger capacity by more than 50 percent. This will allow Changi to serve about 50 million more passengers every year.
One of the major benefits of T5 is that it will become the new home for the Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group. Currently, SIA flights are spread across three terminals. Consolidating them at T5 will help reduce transit and transfer times for passengers. There will also be space for other airlines to grow their operations at T5, boosting Changi’s role as a major global hub.
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“T5 will boost Changi’s capacity by over 50%, serve as the new home of the SIA Group, and support our ambition to reach more than 200 city links worldwide. Smart, sustainable, and seamlessly integrated with the rest of Singapore, T5 is more than just an airport terminal,” PM Wong said.
#Breaking: We’re excited to share a preview of Terminal 5, Singapore’s new terminal that is mega-yet-cosy! 🌟 T5’s design features overlapping roof leaves creating cosy spaces. The ground transportation centre connects rail, bus, and other services seamlessly! pic.twitter.com/BCO9mcKWLL
— Changi Airport (@ChangiAirport) May 14, 2025
T5 will also adopt eco-friendly technologies, such as AI-powered air-conditioning, smart lighting, and hybrid cooling systems. Authorities are exploring the possibility of installing Singapore’s largest rooftop solar panel system on T5.
For passenger convenience, the terminal will include an Automated People Mover system for quick travel within the terminal and between other Changi terminals. It will also be linked to the rest of Singapore via the Thomson-East Coast MRT Line, which will be extended to the terminal. There are also plans to connect T5 to future transport hubs like the Jurong Lake District and Punggol Digital District, as well as the JB-Singapore RTS Link.
T5 is part of a larger Changi East development that includes an Industrial Zone to boost air cargo handling and an Urban District for business and leisure activities. Together, these developments aim to reinforce Singapore’s position as a leading global air hub.
“It’s a symbol of our ambition, and of confidence in our future,” Wong, who is also the city-state’s Finance Minister, said.
It’s a symbol of our ambition, and of confidence in our future.
— Lawrence Wong (@LawrenceWongST) May 14, 2025
Many thanks to everyone who laid the groundwork for T5, and who continue to bring this bold vision to life. Together we are building a future where Singapore continues to soar!
“Many thanks to everyone who laid the groundwork for T5, and who continue to bring this bold vision to life. Together we are building a future where Singapore continues to soar!” he added.
