Singapore's Changi Airport: A City Within A City

Singapore Changi Airport is located in the planning area of Changi, Singapore, 20 km (12 miles) northeast of Marina Bay, Singapore's central district. Changi Airport is one of the largest aviation hubs in Asia and one of the busiest airports in the world, serving over 100 airlines to 400 cities. The airport first opened in 1981 and has since been voted the World's Best Airport for seven consecutive years by Skytrax.

Changi Airport is located in the city of Singapore

Changi Airport is known for its wide range of amenities and unique attractions, including a butterfly garden, a rooftop sunflower garden, a mirror maze, indoor walking trails, and a sound-and-light show featuring a soaring 130-foot waterfall. The airport also offers duty-free shopping, restaurants, and entertainment options such as a multi-purpose facility called Jewel. Changi Airport is easily accessible from the city centre by bus, taxi, train, or private transfer.

The planning area of Changi, where the airport is located, encompasses subzones such as Changi Airport, Changi Point, and Changi West. It borders Pasir Ris and Tampines to the west, Changi Bay to the southeast, the South China Sea to the east, and Serangoon Harbour to the north. Changi Airport itself is situated on reclaimed land, and the soft marine clay presented construction challenges that required drainage and strengthening works.

Changi Airport has undergone significant development since its opening in 1981, with progressive expansions such as the addition of terminals 3 and 4 in 2008 and 2017, respectively. Future plans include a mega-sized Terminal 5 and the Changi East Industrial Zone, expected to be completed before 2030.

It is one of the busiest airports in the world

Changi Airport is located in the geographical region of Tanah Merah in the East Region of Singapore. It is considered a shoppers' paradise, with over 100,000 passengers passing through its terminals each day. Changi Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world, and for good reason.

The airport boasts a wide range of facilities and attractions to delight travellers, including carefully selected retail partners. Shopping is a key highlight for passengers, with 50 million transactions in 2016 alone. Changi Airport's vice president for Commercial Airside Planning and Leasing, Chandra Mahtani, shared that the airport conducts extensive research to understand its customers and offer them what they want. This includes studying trends in downtown malls and other airports worldwide.

The airport also has a rewards point system, iChangi Rewards, where passengers can accumulate points and receive benefits when they spend above $10 SGD. Additionally, Changi Airport has an online shopping platform, iShopChangi, which allows passengers to shop even before they arrive, further enhancing their convenience and comfort.

Changi Airport also stands out by offering a repertoire of local brands, allowing passengers to purchase unique souvenirs and mementos that reflect the culture of their destination. This focus on customer experience, including wine-tasting and product trials, has made Changi Airport a successful launchpad for these local brands to expand into overseas markets. The airport's progressive development, including the recent openings of Terminals 3 and 4, further contributes to its status as one of the busiest airports globally.

It has been voted the world's best airport seven times

Changi Airport is located in Singapore. It has been voted the 'World's Best Airport' by Skytrax a dozen times, including seven times consecutively. In 2018, it became the first airport to win the award six years in a row since the award was introduced in 2000.

The airport's success is attributed to its long-term vision of making the airport a destination, not just a place of transit. Changi Airport is synonymous with the Singapore national brand and is known for its efficiency. The airport has a Fast and Seamless Travel (FAST) program, which gives travellers a full suite of self-service options, from check-in and bag drop to immigration clearance and boarding. The entire process, from check-in to gate, takes only 15 minutes.

The airport also has vast halls with high ceilings and no narrow corridors, giving travellers a sense of space. Even the older terminals have been renovated to keep them modern. The airport is also well-known for its unique amenities, including shopping malls, a permanent display of life-sized dinosaurs, and bicycle rental services.

Changi Airport is also an important aviation hub, handling a significant amount of international passenger and cargo traffic. It is currently the seventh busiest airport worldwide by international passenger traffic and the third busiest in Asia. In 2019, the airport registered a record of 6.41 million passenger movements in a month, the highest since it opened in 1981.

The airport has four terminals and a multi-purpose facility, Jewel

Changi Airport is located in Singapore, in the geographical region of Tanah Merah in the East Region. Changi Airport is considered a shoppers' paradise, with an array of duty-free shopping options available inside the airport's transit area. The airport has four terminals and a multi-purpose facility, Jewel. Terminals 1, 2, and 3 are connected by a complimentary Skytrain service in both the public and transit areas. The transit shuttle bus is another mode of transportation between the terminals, with an estimated journey time of 10 minutes in the public area and 10 to 18 minutes in the transit area.

Jewel is a must-visit destination that offers an adventure for locals, tourists, and layover travellers. It is conveniently located in the public area, between Terminals 2 and 3, and is directly connected to Terminal 1. From Terminal 3, Jewel is a 5- to 10-minute walk via a link bridge from the Departure Hall (level 2). Similarly, it is a 5- to 10-minute walk from Terminal 2 via the link bridge at Level 3. For those arriving at Terminal 4, you can take the free shuttle bus to Terminal 1 and then walk to Jewel.

Changi Airport is known for its constant innovation and personalisation, utilising cookies and other cutting-edge technologies to enhance the user experience. The airport is committed to improving its services based on insights gained from analytical technologies and marketing its services more effectively through trusted partners. Changi Airport is also home to a variety of dining options, ensuring that visitors are spoilt for choice.

The development of Changi Airport has been a progressive endeavour, with Terminal 3 opening in 2008 and Terminal 4 following in 2017. Future expansion plans include a mega-sized Terminal 5 and the Changi East Industrial Zone, which are expected to be completed before 2030.

Changi Airport is considered a shoppers' paradise

Changi Airport is located in Singapore. It is considered a shoppers' paradise due to its vast array of retail options, including high-end fashion brands, duty-free shops, and local Singaporean products.

The airport's reputation as a shopping destination is well-known, with its massive 135,700 m2 (1,461,000 sq ft) retail area called 'The Jewel' featuring a famous Rain Vortex waterfall. Changi Airport offers a unique shopping experience with something for every taste and budget. From luxury brands to bargain hunts, travellers can indulge in a premium shopping experience or explore the local culture through unique souvenirs and traditional snacks.

One of the standout features is the sheer variety available. The airport boasts duty-free shops like LOTTE DUTY FREE, where travellers can find everything from cosmetics, perfumes, and electronics to local delicacies, all at tax-free prices. Changi Airport also houses well-known luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Tiffany & Co., each maintaining duplex boutiques next to each other in Terminal 1.

In addition to its shopping offerings, Changi Airport is known for its innovative use of technology to enhance the overall airport experience. The airport utilises cookies and other cutting-edge tech to deliver a personalised journey for travellers. Analytical technologies provide insights to improve services, while marketing technologies help advertise them more effectively.

Changi Airport's continuous development, including the progressive opening of Terminals 3 and 4 in 2008 and 2017, respectively, further contributes to its reputation as a shoppers' paradise. With future plans for a mega-sized Terminal 5 and the Changi East Industrial Zone expected before 2030, the airport shows no signs of slowing down in its expansion and commitment to providing a world-class shopping experience.

Frequently asked questions