Changi Airport kicks off work on Project Jewel and T1 expansion

SINGAPORE — Changi Airport’s expanded Terminal 1 arrival hall will be integrated with level 1 of Jewel Changi Airport, while the baggage claim hall will see more circulation space, with the installation of additional baggage belts operated by an upgraded baggage handling system.

These enhancements were revealed by the Jewel Changi Airport Trustee, a joint venture between Changi Airport Group (CAG) and CapitalMalls Asia this afternoon (Dec 5) at its groundbreaking ceremony for Jewel Changi Airport.

Minister for Transport Mr Lui Tuck Yew, who graced the event, said Changi Airport must differentiate itself from other airports to ensure impeccable standards of service, making it an attractive destination in and of itself. Part of this will be throught increasing the capacity of Changi Airport through Terminals 4 and 5, to meet growing demand and keep the airport cost effective for airlines and passengers, noted Mr Lui.

“Jewel is about boosting our air hub’s competitiveness, by linking up Terminals 1,2 and 3 even more seamlessly from a passenger perspective, and expanding and enhancing Terminal 1’s facilities,” said Mr Liu.

As passenger traffic increases, there is a need for CAG to expand Terminal 1’s handling capacity to uphold the passenger experience and provide further room for airline growth at the terminal.

With the redevelopment of the open-air car park, CAG will extend the footprint of the terminal building into the space of the site, adding more than 70 per cent to the floor area of the arrival and baggage claim halls. The check-in counter will be revamped with the incorporation of self-service kiosks at Terminal 1 Departure Hall.

Additionally, improved ground transport facilities will be developed for Terminal 1 to cater to increasing visitorship. To facilitate this, a second departure drop-off bay will be constructed, doubling the number of vehicular lanes for drivers to drop off passengers. The length of the arrival pick-up bay will also be extended by 50 per cent.

A bigger basement carpark with five levels and 2,500 parking spaces will be built as part of the Jewel complex which will provide Terminal 1 users with sheltered parking which connects directly to the terminal.

Facilities for taxis and coaches such as the taxi waiting area will also be expanded.

Currently, only Terminals 2 and 3 are directly linked to the Changi Airport MRT. However, new pedestrian linkages will be constructed connecting Terminal 1 and Jewel to the MRT station.

Project Jewel was first announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during last year’s national day rally.