Singapore – After three and a half years of engineering and expansion works, Terminal 2 (T2) has fully reopened ahead of schedule, restoring four-terminal operations at Singapore Changi Airport.

T2’s completion is timely and needed to meet capacity requirements, in anticipation of full travel recovery to pre-Covid levels in 2024. The T2 expansion project has added five million passengers per annum (mppa) to Changi’s capacity, bringing the airport’s total handling capacity to 90 mppa.

Speaking at the T2 Expansion Opening Ceremony on 1st November, Guest of Honour Mr Teo Chee Hean, Senior Minister and Coordinating Minister for National Security, said: “The T2 expansion project started in January 2020, two months before Singapore closed its borders because of the Covid-19 pandemic. At the time, no one knew how severe the pandemic would be, or how long it would last. But Changi Airport Group (CAG) pushed ahead with the T2 expansion, driven by the conviction that our Changi air hub would not only recover from the pandemic, but emerge stronger.”

Nature and immersive experiences in the terminal

T2’s design philosophy is guided by a nature-inspired theme, with key touchpoints being transformed within the terminal. From ceiling designs to wall finishes mimicking natural landforms to the choice of carpet patterns and horticulture displays, elements of nature are seamlessly incorporated throughout the terminal. Lush green columns adorned with a diverse array of plants contribute to creating a serene and soothing atmosphere, fostering tranquility and relaxation for passengers and visitors alike.

At the heart of T2’s departure hall is a 14-metre-tall digital display, dubbed The Wonderfall. Set amid a vertical garden, The Wonderfall captures the essence of nature’s raw beauty in breathtaking detail. Onlookers are transported to an immersive world of wonder with a majestic waterfall cascading over megalithic boulders.

Inside the departure transit area, a brand-new garden - Dreamscape, mesmerises with its enchanting array of plants amid a meticulously landscaped backdrop, brought alive by a ‘digital sky’ which changes its hues depending on the time of day.

The T2 expansion project has added more than 21,000 square metres to the terminal building to support additional infrastructure, new systems, and more retail offerings. With a central common-use Fast and Seamless Travel (FAST) zone, the number of automated check-in kiosks and bag drop machines have almost doubled. The immigration halls have been expanded to support additional automated immigration lanes allowing more passengers to be served at any time.

T2 is also the first terminal in Changi to have automated Special Assistance Lanes for persons with disabilities and young children at both arrival and departure immigration. A new early baggage storage system has also been installed that is fully automated with the capacity to handle up to 2,400 bags.

Mr Tan Lye Teck, CAG’s Programme Director for the Terminal 2 Expansion Project, said, “Changi Airport has always been pushing the boundaries of airport service and innovation, while staying ahead of the latest trends in digital as well as retail and dining offerings. With T2, we sought to enhance the passenger experience, bringing together a modern terminal inspired by nature, with immersive digital experiences, innovative technology, as well as transformative retail and dining concepts that create a sense of place. This expansion project augments Changi’s handling capacity, allowing us to serve more passengers in the years ahead. We hope T2 will set a new benchmark for customer service and delight among airports. And we hope every user will find great pleasure and discover wonder whenever they travel through T2.”

Refreshed tenant mix adds new buzz to retail-tainment and dining scene

Beyond a bustling air hub, Changi Airport continues to build its reputation as a world-class lifestyle destination.

In the past month, more retail and food & beverage stores have opened in both T2’s public and transit areas, bringing a touch of magic to the visitor journey.