Regional aviation leader says Singapore must act now or risk falling behind key rivals
Singapore’s Changi Airport must begin construction of Terminal 5 without delay to maintain its regional dominance, as major Asian hubs scale up aggressively to meet future aviation demand, said a top airport official.
Speaking at Jewel Changi Airport on May 13, Stefano Baronci, Director-General of Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific and Middle East, stressed that Changi cannot afford further delays if it wants to retain its competitive edge. The construction of Terminal 5, which begins in mid-May, is crucial to keeping pace with rival airports such as those in Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Seoul, which are already expanding aggressively to meet projected travel demand.
T5 to Push Changi Into Mega Airport Status
Once completed in the mid-2030s, Terminal 5 will add capacity for 50 million passengers annually, increasing Changi’s total capacity from 90 million to 140 million. This would elevate Singapore into the league of “mega airports”—facilities handling over 100 million passengers per year. Changi handled 67.7 million passengers in 2024 and is currently ranked the fourth-busiest international airport globally, behind Dubai, London, and Incheon.
Asian Hubs Gaining Ground
Changi faces mounting competition as airports across Asia ramp up investment. Hong Kong has opened a third runway and is expanding Terminal 2. Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport launched a new satellite terminal in March 2025 and is building a third runway and South Terminal, targeting 130 million passengers annually. Meanwhile, Seoul’s Incheon Airport, which completed a fourth runway in 2024, is already handling over 100 million passengers a year.
Asia: Epicentre of Global Aviation Growth
Baronci said Asia is set to dominate the future of aviation due to its concentration of megacities and strong demographic and economic fundamentals. Of the 39 megacities globally, 25 are in Asia. With over 30 airports in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions committing over US$240 billion (S$313 billion) in upgrades and new developments through 2035, the region is entering a new investment cycle that Singapore must not miss.
Beyond expansion, Baronci noted Changi must also focus on improving service quality, stakeholder coordination, and the use of artificial intelligence to enhance efficiency. The number of city connections at Changi is expected to rise from 170 to over 200 by the mid-2030s, reinforcing its role as a key global transit hub. Smart infrastructure and operational excellence will be key in maintaining Changi’s leadership position.
Geopolitics and Trade Still Pose Risks
Baronci warned that geopolitical tensions—not just tariffs—are likely to continue affecting the aviation sector, particularly air cargo. Conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war and instability in the Middle East and South Asia have forced airlines to reroute, increasing costs and congestion. In this context, having world-class infrastructure and adaptable logistics systems like those planned at T5 will give Singapore a critical edge.
As Asia cements its place at the heart of global aviation, Singapore’s decision to push forward with Terminal 5 marks a strategic investment in long-term relevance. With neighbouring airports scaling up fast, Changi’s ability to evolve, expand, and lead will determine whether it remains a premier hub or risks being eclipsed. T5 isn’t just another terminal—it’s a cornerstone of Singapore’s aviation future.
Sources: The Straits Times (2025), The Business Times (2025)
Keywords: Changi T5 Construction, Mega Airport Asia, Aviation Hub Singapore, Regional Airport Expansion, Stefano Baronci
