Runway Abundance: Changi Airport's Impressive Infrastructure

Singapore's Changi Airport is a major aviation hub in Asia, located approximately 20km north-east of the country's centre. The airport initially opened in 1981 with a single runway, but has since expanded to include two parallel runways, both 4,000 metres in length. A third runway, previously used only by the military, has been extended to handle larger passenger aircraft and converted for joint military-civilian use. As part of the Changi East development, the airport will implement a three-runway system by the mid-2020s, with the construction of tunnels and other underground systems to support the additional runway.

Changi Airport's runway expansion from 2.75km to 4km

Changi Airport in Singapore is currently served by two runways. Runway 1, designated 02L/20R, was completed in 1981 and is 4,000 metres long. Runway 2, designated 02C/20C, was built on reclaimed land and opened in 1981 alongside Runway 1.

A third runway, originally built for military use, was constructed in 2004. This runway, designated 02R/20L (or 01/19), was originally 2.75km long. However, it has since been expanded to 4km in length to handle larger commercial passenger aircraft. This expansion is part of a three-runway programme that will allow the airport to handle future growth in air travel. The programme includes the construction of almost 40km of new taxiways to connect the third runway to the rest of the airport, as well as new facilities such as navigation aids, airfield lighting systems, and a fire station. The three-runway system is expected to be operational by the mid-2020s.

In addition to the three-runway system, Changi Airport is also undergoing other significant expansion projects, including the construction of a fifth terminal (Terminal 5) and the development of the Changi East Industrial Zone. Terminal 5 is expected to be completed by the mid-2030s and will increase the airport's annual passenger handling capacity to 135 million. The Changi East Industrial Zone will expand the airport's cargo facilities and enhance its handling capabilities. These projects reinforce Changi Airport's position as a leading aviation hub and ensure its continued competitiveness and relevance.

The airport's two parallel runways

Changi Airport in Singapore has two parallel runways, 02L/20R and 02C/20C, which are both 4,000 metres in length. The first runway, 02L/20R, was completed in 1981 as part of the airport's Phase 1. The second runway, 02C/20C, was built on reclaimed land and opened as part of Phase 2.

The airport's original master plan featured a dual-terminal and dual-runway configuration across two phases. Phase 1 included the construction of the first runway, while Phase 2 included the second.

In addition to these two runways, there is a third runway, 02R/20L, which is used exclusively by the Republic of Singapore Air Force as part of the Changi Air Base. This third runway was built 1.8 km to the east of the second runway and has been lengthened to 4 km to accommodate larger commercial passenger aircraft.

The construction of a third runway

Changi Airport in Singapore is currently served by two runways. However, the airport is undergoing a significant expansion with the construction of a third runway as part of the Changi East development project. This project aims to secure Singapore's position as a leading aviation hub and includes the development of Terminal 5, the expansion of cargo facilities, and the implementation of a three-runway system.

The third runway, previously used exclusively by the military, has been extended from 2.75 km to 4 km to accommodate larger passenger aircraft and has been converted for joint military-civilian use. The expansion project also involves the construction of almost 40 km of new taxiways to connect the new runway with the rest of the airport. This three-runway system is expected to be operational by the mid-2020s and will reduce congestion, allowing for more efficient and safe flight operations.

The Changi East development project is the largest expansion undertaken by Changi Airport to date and is expected to be completed by the mid-2030s. It will increase the airport's capacity to handle future growth in air travel and strengthen its position as a premier air hub in the region. The project is a collaborative effort between the Changi Airport Group, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, and the Ministry of Transport, with funding provided by the Singapore Government, Changi Airport Group, and airport users.

In addition to the three-runway system, the project includes the construction of Terminal 5, which will be located on a 1,080-hectare site east of the existing airport. Terminal 5 is expected to handle 50 million passenger movements annually and will be designed with the flexibility to be built in two phases to accommodate traffic growth. The terminal will be a sustainable and technologically-driven building, featuring solar panels, smart management systems, and enhanced ventilation systems.

The construction of the third runway and the development of Terminal 5 are part of Changi Airport's continuous efforts to enhance its infrastructure and maintain its position as one of the world's best airports.

Runway 02L/20R

The construction of Runway 02L/20R was a significant milestone in the development of Changi Airport, which is now a major aviation hub in the Asia-Pacific region. The airport is located approximately 25 kilometres east-northeast of Singapore's commercial centre and was built on reclaimed land to minimise noise pollution from landing aircraft. The first phase of construction, which included the first runway, also involved the construction of 45 aircraft parking bays, a large maintenance hangar, the first fire station, workshops, administrative offices, an airfreight complex, and two cargo agents' buildings.

The second phase of construction, which began immediately after the completion of the first phase, included the construction of a second runway, now known as Runway 02C/20C, which was built completely on reclaimed land 1.6 kilometres to the east of Runway 02L/20R. With the completion of the second phase, Changi Airport had two parallel runways, each with a length of 4,000 metres.

In addition to the two original runways, a third runway, 02R/20L, was built 1.8 kilometres to the east of Runway 02C/20C. This runway was originally used exclusively by the Republic of Singapore Air Force as part of the Changi Air Base but has since been lengthened to 4 kilometres to accommodate larger commercial passenger aircraft. The addition of this third runway further enhanced the capacity and efficiency of Changi Airport, solidifying its position as a leading aviation hub in the region.

Runway 02C/20C

Changi Airport in Singapore is a major aviation hub in the Asia-Pacific region. It is Singapore's primary international airport.

Changi Airport initially had a single 4,000 by 60-metre runway (02/20). After Phase 2 of its construction, it gained a second runway, 02L/20R, and a third, 02C/20C, which was built entirely on reclaimed land. Both runways are used by the Republic of Singapore Air Force as part of Changi Airbase.

The airport's third runway, previously used only by the military, has been extended to handle larger passenger aircraft and converted for joint military-civilian use. This is part of a three-runway programme, which will be operational by the mid-2020s.

Frequently asked questions