PM Lawrence Wong says T5 will power aviation, create new career paths and strengthen Changi’s global lead
Singapore has officially begun construction on Terminal 5 (T5), the largest expansion in Changi Airport’s history. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong called it a “bold move” to future-proof the nation’s air hub, promising new jobs, business opportunities, and cutting-edge travel experiences.
At the May 14 groundbreaking ceremony, PM Wong called the T5 project a “bold move” to future-proof Singapore’s position as a premier air hub. Slated to open in the mid-2030s, T5 will expand Changi’s total capacity to 140 million passengers per year—up from the current 90 million—placing it among the world’s top mega airports.
Wong recalled how Changi Airport itself was once seen as a gamble, but became a global icon due to bold planning and long-term foresight. “Like our forefathers who chose to build Changi, we dare to dream big and aim high today,” he told the crowd of 450 attendees.
Creating Jobs and Business Opportunities
The T5 project will generate thousands of jobs for Singaporeans in emerging sectors like data science, sustainability, robotics, and infrastructure engineering. PM Wong said the massive, complex build would involve many local companies, offering opportunities to grow and contribute to Singapore’s transformation.
As T5 expands, so will demand across sectors—from aerospace to logistics and tourism—benefiting workers and businesses alike.
Innovative Design for Speed and Comfort
Spanning land 20 per cent larger than Toa Payoh, T5 will feature three segments—T5A, T5B, and T5C—linked by an “automated people mover system.” These skytrains will reduce transfer times, and allow most passengers to reach taxis or trains within 30 minutes after landing.
Passengers will also enjoy natural lighting, vertical gardens, and intuitive layouts. Transfer times are expected to be faster than at current terminals, aided by an underground link to Terminal 2 and new roads connecting to major expressways.
Built for Resilience and Connectivity
Designed to withstand extreme weather and climate change, T5’s airfield sits 5.5 meters above sea level. Sloped taxiways will facilitate rapid water drainage during heavy rainfall.
T5 will connect seamlessly with the wider transport network via Tanah Merah Coast Road, East Coast Parkway, the Pan Island Expressway, and future MRT links like the Thomson-East Coast and Cross Island Lines. Its proximity to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal also allows for future air-sea transfers—similar to Hong Kong’s SkyPier.
Built for Climate Resilience and Seamless Connectivity
T5 is designed to withstand extreme weather and climate change. Its airfield will sit 5.5 metres above sea level with sloped taxiways for rain drainage. The terminal will deploy automation at scale, using AI and video analytics to manage flights and baggage robots tested under heavy rain and lightning.
The proximity to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal opens the door for seamless air-sea transfers—similar to Hong Kong’s SkyPier—positioning Changi as a hub for multi-modal regional travel.
The Vision Behind Changi East
T5 anchors the wider Changi East development, which includes a new urban district and industrial zone. This expansion is supported by a S$5 billion top-up to the Changi Airport Development Fund and represents an enduring commitment to long-term planning.
PM Wong reminded attendees of the decision to move from Paya Lebar to Changi in the 1970s—a risk that ultimately redefined Singapore’s global standing. “Like our forefathers, we dare to dream big and aim high today,” he declared.
Sources: The Straits Times (2025), CNA (2025)
Keywords: Changi Terminal 5, Lawrence Wong, Singapore Airport, Aviation Sector, Infrastructure Development
