Changi Airport is one of Asia’s most significant international aviation hubs, situated in the Changi Precinct of Singapore. It links Singapore to more than 140 cities globally, facilitating more than 6,000 flights weekly, operated by upwards of 100 airlines.
The airport is owned and operated by Changi Airport Group (CAG) and comprises four terminals, including the Jewel Changi, a ten-storey lifestyle hub that integrates Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
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The T2 expansion added more than 21,000m² to the terminal building to accommodate additional passengers, infrastructure, new systems, and retail. Furthermore, the critical systems and building equipment were upgraded to more efficient models.
The engineering and expansion work commenced in May 2020 and was completed in September 2023. The terminal was reopened to the public two months later in November.
With the T2 expansion, Changi Airport’s capacity has increased to 90 million passengers a year.
Terminal 2 expansion details
The T2 expansion features a new departure hall, centralised for easy access to the fast and seamless travel (FAST) zone, additional automated check-in desks, and baggage drop stations.
The immigration halls have expanded to include more automated immigration lanes. T2 is the first terminal at Changi to offer automated Special Assistance Lanes for persons with disabilities and young children at immigration for both arrivals and departures.
Equipped with an advanced chiller plant, the T2 achieves cooling at 30% less power consumption.
The terminal draws inspiration from nature, presenting a harmonious fusion of architecture and landscaping. Natural materials grace the walls and floors, with vibrant green columns displaying a unique collection of plants. At the core of the T2’s departure hall, set against a vertical garden, stands The Wonderfall, a 14m-tall digital display of a waterfall cascading over megalithic boulders.
Baggage handling system at Changi Airport’s Terminal 2
The terminal’s baggage handling system has seen enhancements with heightened security measures, and its initial baggage storage has transitioned from semi-automatic to fully automated and is capable of handling up to 2,400 bags.
The two existing conveyor belts at the baggage claim area have been extended to accommodate more baggage from wide-bodied aircraft. The expansion encompassed the redevelopment of the T2 baggage handling system (BHS) and early baggage storage (EBS) system. It also replaced the hold baggage screening (HBS) X-ray machines from five-level to three-level screening.
Retail offerings at Changi Airport’s Terminal 2
T2 at Changi Airport presents a diverse array of new retail and food & beverage (F&B) options in both the public and transit areas.
The terminal’s public zones host several brands making their debut at Changi, both local and international. Dim sum enthusiasts can savour their preferred dishes at Swee Choon, a Hong Kong brand that, in collaboration with local ice cream café Creamier, has introduced milk tea gelato, a first for Changi Airport.
Kenangan Coffee, another newcomer from Indonesia, offers premium coffee at an accessible price and features an extensive selection of beverages from Asian and global flavours.
T2’s public spaces also feature established names such as Paris-Baguette bakery and the traditional Chinese medicine store, Eu Yan Sang. Additional newcomers include the Korean chain GOPIZZA, a Hudsons coffee house, a Boost Juice smoothie stand, and a Dunkin doughnut kiosk.
Travellers can also delight in Asian cuisine with Changi-exclusive brands such as Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu, Chef Wei HK Cheong Fun, and the Lynk Fragrances, which offers scents and products handcrafted in Singapore.
Newly opened at T2 are the luxury Italian jeweller Pomellato and Old Seng Choong, specialising in heritage recipes and nostalgic baked goods that are ideal for souvenirs.
Changi Airport’s first landside duplex café, Jones the Grocer, is an artisanal establishment café featuring a grab-and-go deli-style food counter at the ground floor, as well as an upper-level bar and restaurant complete with a show kitchen.
The newly opened Lotte Duty Free Wines & Spirits is a grand double-storey liquor store that also boasts a first-in-airport robot bartender named Toni.
Amenities at Terminal 2
The 2 Bears Hideout is an adventure playground that invites children to delve into the natural world alongside mother and baby bears. The new TV lounge provides passengers with the latest sports and live television programmes on a high-definition LED screen, complete with plush seating and various charging stations, including wireless pods.
Passengers meeting specific criteria can access pre-departure lounges such as the DBS private access lounge, the KrisFlyer gold lounge, the SATS premier lounge, and the SilverKris lounge. The Ambassador Transit Hotel and Lounge, along with the Connect at Changi Lounge, a hub for the business community, are also available during transit.
Contractors involved
Takenaka, a Japan-based architectural, engineering and construction service supplier, was the principal contractor for the T2 expansion project’s main construction works.
Punj Lloyd Group, an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services provider, was engaged in the construction of two new buildings and the renovation of the existing terminal building.
Deshin, known for its high-quality architectural metal works, was awarded the contract for the installation of column cladding for the T2 expansion. The architectural design for Changi Airport T2 was the work of BOIFFILS Studio, an architectural firm based in Paris, France.
RSP, a Singapore-based multidisciplinary architectural and engineering design company, served as the associate architect and structural consultant on the project. The BHS upgrade at T2 was carried out by Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB), an independent global construction and property consultancy.
Other contractors involved in the project include Pha Concepteurs Lumiere (lighting design), Patrick Blanc (botanical design), and J Roger Preston (M&E consultant).
