Singapore has finalised the concept plan for Changi airport's fifth terminal.

Documents released by the ministry of transport (MOT) show that Terminal 5 will feature long linear piers without cul-de-sacs and sharp corners which will give it the flexibility to accommodate future changes, such as different aircraft designs, and make for easier reconfiguration if necessary.

MOT adds that the design will allow a greater proportion of passengers direct access to gates from the terminal building and offers the shortest walking distances and connection times.

In addition, the linear piers will provide the most number of remote aircraft stands without compromising the number of contact stands. Aircraft on longer layovers can hence be parked away from the terminal building, freeing up space.

An industrial zone adjacent to the linear piers will also be constructed to house air cargo and MRO facilities

The airport will employ a three-runway system by the early 2020s. Aircraft parked at Terminal 5 will be able to co-use the existing third runway now used exclusively by the military. Almost 40,000m of new taxiways will also be built to connect the runway with existing facilities at Changi.

Changi Airport Terminal 5 finalised concept plan

Changi releases Terminal 5 finalised concept plan

Ministry of Transport

“Terminal 5 represents a major commitment on the government’s part to secure Singapore’s economic future and our place in the world,” says minister of transport Lui Tuck Yew.

“Our ambition is for Singapore to remain as Southeast Asia’s foremost air hub and one of the major hubs in Asia and across the world. To do this, we must ensure that Changi is able to accommodate future growth,” Lui adds.

Planners had previously studied two layout options for Terminal 5. One option saw a smaller terminal with two separate satellite buildings, while the other saw a single terminal and one satellite building.

When fully built, Terminal 5 will have an annual capacity of 50 million passengers, but construction will take place over two phases with the pace dependent on demand.

Singapore will also set up a Changi Airport Development Fund with an initial capitalisation of S$3 billion ($2.2 billion) to support the expansion. More will be added in the years to come

With current capacity at 66 million passengers annually, Changi will be able to handle to handle 85 million by 2020 when its fourth terminal and third runway are in operation. This will rise to 135 million when Terminal 5 is ready.

Source: Cirium Dashboard