Operations across four terminals have been restored at Singapore Changi airport after three and a half years of engineering and expansion work to Terminal 2 (T2).
T2 has fully reopened ahead of schedule, adding five million passengers a year to the Asian’s hub’s annual capacity, bringing the total up 90 million.
The completion of T2 is needed to meet capacity requirements, in anticipation of full travel recovery to pre-Covid levels in 2024.
Passenger traffic at Changi airport in September was about 90% of pre-Covid levels.
Co-ordinating minister for national security, Teo Chee Hean, said: “The T2 expansion project started in January 2020, two months before Singapore closed its borders because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“At the time, no one knew how severe the pandemic would be, or how long it would last.
“But Changi Airport Group (CAG) pushed ahead with the T2 expansion, driven by the conviction that our Changi air hub would not only recover from the pandemic, but emerge stronger.”
T2 handles 16 airlines with flights connecting to 40 cities.
Almost 10 million passengers have used T2 since May 2022 when the terminal’s arrival south wing was first reopened.
T2 is the first terminal in Changi to have automated special assistance lanes for passengers with disabilities and young children at both arrival and departure immigration.
A new baggage storage system has also been installed that is fully automated with the capacity to handle up to 2,400 bags.
T2 expansion project director, Tan Lye Teck, said: “Changi airport has always been pushing the boundaries of airport service and innovation, while staying ahead of the latest trends in digital as well as retail and dining offerings.
“With T2, we sought to enhance the passenger experience, bringing together a modern terminal inspired by nature, with immersive digital experiences, innovative technology, as well as transformative retail and dining concepts that create a sense of place.
“This expansion project augments Changi’s handling capacity, allowing us to serve more passengers in the years ahead. We hope T2 will set a new benchmark for customer service and delight among airports.”