SINGAPORE: Singapore's fifth airport terminal will be ready in the next decade, with details on it expected at the end of the year.
Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew announced this on Tuesday at a dinner recognising Changi Airport's airline partners, saying more information on the air hub's long-term masterplan will also be revealed then.
He urged Changi Airport to respond to "fundamental shifts" in the global aviation landscape to cement its status as a leading air hub.
Future plans for Singapore's airport are steadily taking flight, with a Changi 2036 Steering Committee masterminding the air hub's development.
Key to continued success is the ability to turnaround arrivals and departures quickly.
Having more flights but just two runways has not handicapped Changi Airport's ability to perform. In 2012, aircraft movements increased by nearly eight per cent.
Delays in departing flights were 40 per cent lower as of March this year compared to the previous year.
Plans are underway to convert Changi's third runway from military use to one which can be utilised by the airport.
This is expected to boost the air hub's turnaround capabilities at existing terminals.
Addition of a fifth terminal, or T5, will also bring the airport's passenger handling capacity beyond the annual 85 million expected with four terminals.
Senior vice president of market development for Changi Airport, Lim Ching Kiat, said: "When T5 is up, it will also be a three-runway system.
"So both, in terms of our runway capacity, as well as our terminal capacity... will be enhanced. But (as for) specific details, we're still studying various options."
Mr Lui said: "For Singapore aviation to continue to grow and thrive, all stakeholders must also work together and plan ahead together.
"To benefit from our air hub's potential, infrastructure planning and development is key. The strong growth in recent years makes it imperative for us to enhance Changi Airport's capacity."
The next development is to boost capacity at Terminal 4, slated to be completed in 2017.
It will be equipped to handle the needs of low-cost carriers and short-haul flights of full-service airlines.
- CNA/al
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