Future Changi Terminal 5 Link Promises Four-Minute Transfer to T2.

Singapore Changi Airport is boosting its inter-terminal connectivity. The airport is building a new automated people-mover system (APM) to link the future Terminal 5 (T5) with the existing Terminal 2 (T2). This new underground link will allow passengers to complete the transfer in just four minutes. The development is a critical part of the larger Changi East development project. It aims to secure Singapore’s position as a major global air hub.

The New Automated People-Mover System

The new APM is similar to the existing Skytrain system. It will operate at a frequency of four to eight minutes. Each train will have two carriages. They can carry up to 96 passengers, including luggage. This system is vital for transit passengers. It allows them to quickly access the rest of Changi Airport. From T2, travelers can connect to Terminals 1 and 3 via the existing Skytrain. They can also reach Terminal 4 using shuttle buses.

Boosting Passenger and Baggage Flow

The underground link is composed of three tunnels. Two tunnels are for the people-mover system. The third tunnel is dedicated to baggage handling. This baggage tunnel is designed for high-speed transfer. It can facilitate the movement of up to 3,000 bags per hour between T5 and T2. This capacity is higher than the current system connecting Terminals 1, 2, and 3, which handles over 2,700 bags per hour. Efficient baggage transfer is a key factor for airlines. It directly impacts minimum connection times (MCTs) and operational efficiency.

Changi Airport’s Capacity Expansion

The Changi Airport Terminal 5 mega-terminal is a massive undertaking. Construction officially began in May 2025. The terminal is expected to open in the mid-2030s. Once operational, T5 will nearly double the airport's overall size. The new terminal will add 50 million passengers annually in its initial phase. This expansion will increase Changi Airport’s total capacity. It will rise from the present 90 million to 140 million passengers yearly. This represents an increase of over 55 per cent. The goal is to place Changi among the world's mega airports.

Industry bodies like IATA stress the need for infrastructure investment. This is especially true as air traffic in the Asia-Pacific region grows rapidly. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) views the T5 project as essential. It will secure Singapore's long-term air hub status.

Overcoming Engineering Challenges

The construction of the tunnels presented significant engineering challenges. The tunnels extend 28m to 35m below ground. Crucially, all three tunnels had to be built under an active aircraft taxiway near T2. This required careful planning to prevent ground sinking. Such an event would halt airport operations.

Engineers used a specialized top-down construction method near T2. This involved laying a concrete roof layer first. This allowed the ground surface to be quickly restored. Subsequent excavation and construction could then happen underground. This method saved the project an estimated one to two years. The team also used an innovative conveyor-belt system. This system transported excavated soil vertically to the surface. It can move up to 350 tonnes of soil per hour. This reduced the need for numerous tipping trucks on the airport apron. The solution successfully lowered traffic volumes and congestion risk. For more commercial aviation news and analysis, visit flying.flights.

• The automated people-mover system will connect T5 and T2 in four minutes.
• The T5 mega-terminal will increase Changi Airport's annual capacity by over 55%, to 140 million passengers.
• A high-speed baggage tunnel can transfer up to 3,000 bags per hour between the two terminals.
• Engineers used a top-down construction method to build the tunnels under an active taxiway.