Singapore’s Changi Airport Terminal 5 to Open by 2030 – Full Details Inside

Big things are happening in Singapore—and travellers across Asia (and beyond) should take note. On 14 May 2025, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong officially kicked off the long-anticipated construction of Terminal 5 (T5) at Changi Airport, marking a major leap forward for one of the world’s top airports.

This new terminal is no ordinary upgrade. It’s part of a massive 1,080-hectare Changi East development, set to transform air travel in the region—especially as Asia-Pacific travel continues its post-pandemic surge. The airport, already known for its world-class amenities and Muslim-friendly facilities, is aiming even higher.

Also read: Halal Foodies Guide in Changi Airport: The Best Airport in The World For Food 2025

A future-ready mega terminal

Image credit: Changi Airport | Official Website

Terminal 5 is designed to handle a whopping 50 million passengers annually in its first phase, with the goal of boosting the airport’s total capacity from 90 million to 140 million travellers per year. That’s a huge jump—and one that’s sorely needed as international travel rebounds across Asia.

But it’s not just about numbers. T5 will be a high-tech, sustainable, and passenger-friendly space. Here’s what to expect:

• Three interconnected terminal sections, linked by automated people movers, similar to Changi’s current Skytrain system.

• A strong focus on sustainability, including clean energy powered by rooftop solar panels and systems that can withstand extreme climate conditions.

• Smart infrastructure with the latest in automation, AI, and next-gen technology to improve efficiency and comfort.

• A brand-new control tower will help manage growing air traffic alongside three runways, including one currently used by the military that will be integrated by 2030.

For frequent flyers, this is exciting news. For Muslim travellers, it’s also promising, especially considering Changi Airport’s long-standing commitment to inclusivity and convenience.

Click here for the Terminal 5 video.

A Muslim-friendly travel hub gets even better

Changi is already well-regarded as one of the most Muslim-friendly airports in the world. With dedicated prayer rooms (surau) in every terminal, halal-certified dining options, and easy transit, it’s a comfortable and convenient stop for Muslim travellers.

While the final design of Terminal 5 is still being developed, it's reasonable to expect even more prayer spaces, expanded halal food choices, and possibly even family-friendly rest zones—a welcome addition for those travelling with children or elderly relatives, especially during long layovers.

This makes Changi not just a layover hub, but a travel destination in itself.

Getting there: New transport connections

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

Getting to Terminal 5 will be a breeze. The expansion includes major transport links that will connect the new terminal seamlessly to Singapore and beyond:

🚇 MRT access:

• Thomson-East Coast Line will link T5 directly to the city centre and northwards to the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) terminal at Woodlands North.

• Cross Island Line will connect the terminal to Punggol Digital District and Jurong Lake District.

• Aviation Park MRT Station will serve Changi Airfreight Centre and Changi East Industrial Zone.

🚗 New road infrastructure:

• The Changi Southern Corridor will create easier access via Tanah Merah Coast Road, East Coast Parkway (ECP), and Pan-Island Expressway (PIE).

⛴ By sea:

• T5 will connect directly to the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, ideal for air-to-sea transfers to nearby Indonesian islands like Batam or Bintan—popular halal beach getaway spots for Muslim travellers.

Also read: 15 Muslim-Friendly Things to Do at Changi Airport, Singapore – Halal Eats, Attractions & Relaxation

Rebounding from the pandemic

The Terminal 5 project was originally put on hold for two years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the design has been updated to meet the new realities of post-pandemic travel, with features tailored to health, hygiene, and traveller well-being.

In fact, Changi’s expansion aligns with forecasts from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which projects that Asia-Pacific passenger traffic will double by 2043, growing 5.1% annually—a rate that beats both Europe and North America.

Singapore wants to stay ahead of the curve—and T5 is how it plans to do that.