Changi Airport’s passenger traffic in Q1 2024 surpasses pre-pandemic levels

In a speech at the Changi Airline Awards 2024 on Thursday, Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat called the growth in passenger movements “a significant milestone”.

“We look forward to the continued growth of passenger traffic at Changi, and my colleagues and I will work towards our goal of exceeding pre-COVID passenger traffic levels for the full year,” he said.

Mr Chee also thanked outgoing CAG CEO Lee Seow Hiang, who will step down from his post after 15 years at the helm.

“Seow Hiang’s vision and steadfast leadership has transformed Changi into a leading global air hub, taken the airport through the darkest days of COVID-19, and seen through Changi’s recovery after the pandemic,” said the minister.

Mr Yam Kum Weng, the current executive vice president of airport development, will take over from Mr Lee on Jul 1, CAG announced earlier this month.

Mr Lee will also relinquish his roles as a director on the CAG board and as chairman of the boards of Changi Airports International (CAI) and Jewel Changi Airport Development. 

Mr Yam will be appointed to the CAG board and as chairman of the CAI board from Jul 1.

TERMINAL 5

Mr Chee also revealed that CAG had launched the first major construction tender for Terminal 5 in March.

The tender was for the building’s substructure, which will comprise the foundation and basement works for the new terminal.

Terminal 5 is on track to commence construction in 2025, he said.

Work has also started on other aspects of Terminal 5, such as the underground connection that will link Terminal 2 and Terminal 5.

This connection, known as T2C, will provide baggage and inter-terminal links to ensure a “seamless connection” between Terminal 5 and other terminals.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore told CNA on Monday that the distance of the link between Terminal 2 and Terminal 5 is about 2.5km.

“When ready in the mid-2030s, Terminal 5 will be able to handle up to an additional 50 million passengers per annum, strengthening Singapore’s aviation connectivity and our position as an air hub for the region and beyond,” said Mr Chee.