Aerial view of Singapore Changi Airport's Terminal 5.
FRANKFURT—Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) is investing in artificial intelligence, automation and passenger facilities while expanding its international network and preparing for Terminal 5, which will increase annual capacity by 50 million passengers.
Speaking to Aviation Week at Routes World 2026 in Frankfurt, Lim Ching Kiat, Changi Airport Group's executive vice president of air hub and cargo development, said rising passenger expectations, competition for airline capacity and pressure to improve operational efficiency are driving the airport's next phase of development.
Lim likened the work behind Changi's reputation for operational excellence to a swan gliding across a lake. “We are like a swan. On the surface of the lake, you look like you're swimming gracefully. But at the bottom, you're paddling like mad,” he said.
The airport ranks 11th globally and fourth in Asia-Pacific in OAG's Megahubs 2026 international connectivity index, while climbing from 10th to fifth worldwide for low-cost connectivity.
The Middle East conflict has reshaped the competitive landscape, with Dubai falling from 15th to 31st globally and Doha slipping from 34th to 46th. OAG attributed some changes to disrupted flight schedules.
Changi handled a record 69.98 million passengers in 2025 and approximately 52.2 million during the first nine months of 2026. Third-quarter traffic reached 17.4 million, up 0.4% year over year following declines from April through July.
Vietnam and China recorded particularly strong growth, with traffic increasing 20.5% and 10.4%, respectively. The airport connects Singapore with approximately 170 cities through nearly 100 airlines operating more than 7,100 weekly flights.
Lim identified four priorities underpinning Changi's development: operational reliability, capacity, passenger experience and connectivity.
Singapore Airlines Group accounts for about 55% of the airport's traffic, although Lim emphasized the importance of maintaining relationships with other carriers.
“Singapore Airlines has a high standard of excellence, so that also puts us ahead; we can't be the one that drops the ball,” he said.
Changi also works with the airline and Singapore's tourism authorities to offer complimentary city tours for passengers with extended layovers.
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The Middle East conflict has complicated network development, with higher fuel prices and longer routings prompting airlines to reconsider expansion plans. However, opportunities have emerged as carriers adjust their connecting networks.
“In terms of when we're talking to them about growth plans, people are being careful, and you can't blame them for that,” Lim said. “But there are other airlines that want to pursue growth.”
Some carriers attending Routes World were actively seeking additional slots despite the challenging environment.
Qantas has been routing some European services through Singapore because of Middle Eastern airspace restrictions, temporarily restoring Changi's role as a major connecting point between Europe and Australia.
Turkish Airlines is also expanding its Australia services through Singapore, adding Sydney alongside Melbourne, while British Airways continues to connect London and Sydney through Changi. Lim also sees opportunities in secondary Asian cities, Central Asia, Australia and Africa.
SCAT Airlines recently launched flights from Shymkent, Kazakhstan, while EgyptAir is planning Cairo-Singapore service in 2027. New destinations added during 2026 include Chiang Rai, Palembang, Dalian, Pontianak, Belitung, Newcastle and Sunshine Coast.
Technology is another priority as Singapore faces constraints on workforce growth.
Changi's Aircraft 360 initiative uses video analytics and artificial intelligence to monitor aircraft turnarounds, including refueling, catering, cleaning and baggage handling. It identifies activities falling behind schedule and alerts ground handling partners.
“When one of the steps is out of step, we can quickly tell our partners, ‘Oops, this is falling behind. Let's catch up here,’” Lim said.
Faster turnarounds can improve aircraft utilization and reduce airline costs.
Singapore residents can clear immigration using facial recognition without presenting passports, while foreign visitors generally present documents on arrival but can use biometric clearance when departing. Changi is also introducing autonomous baggage tractors.
The centerpiece of the airport's expansion is Terminal 5, which broke ground in 2025 and is scheduled to open in the mid-2030s. The new terminal will initially accommodate 50 million passengers annually, increasing Changi's total capacity from approximately 90 million to 140 million.
Lim said the investment reflects expectations of long-term aviation growth of 5% to 6% annually across Asia-Pacific.
Terminal 5 forms part of the wider Changi East development, including a three-runway system and underground passenger and baggage tunnels connecting the new terminal with Terminal 2.
Singapore Airlines and other carriers will use the facility, although allocations have yet to be finalized. The third runway is expected to enter civilian service before Terminal 5 opens.
Meanwhile, Changi is investing SG$3 billion ($2.3 billion) to improve its existing terminals, including Terminal 3 refurbishment, baggage handling and Skytrain upgrades, and infrastructure to accommodate the Boeing 777-9.
A new premium private terminal is scheduled to open in 2027, offering dedicated lounges, private suites and personalized passenger services.
Lim said maintaining Changi's reputation for operational excellence and passenger experience would become increasingly challenging as the airport expands.
“The pressure builds up, the expectation builds up, the expectation for excellence builds up,” he said.
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