Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific and the Middle East has stressed the urgent need for Singapore to commence construction of Terminal 5 (T5) at Changi Airport to stay competitive among major Asia-Pacific airports. T5, expected to start construction in mid-May 2025 after Covid-19 delays, will increase Changi’s capacity by 50 million passengers to a total of 140 million per year, elevating it to mega airport status.
Additionally, ACi also noted challenges facing the aviation sector, including the unclear impact of US tariffs and geopolitical tensions affecting flight routes and costs. Despite uncertainties, he emphasised Asia’s continuing growth as the aviation epicentre, with 25 of the world’s 39 megacities located in the region and a projected USD240 billion investment in airport infrastructure by 2035. The construction of T5 is seen as critical for Changi to maintain its global hub status through innovation, cooperation, and high-quality service.