Set aside spaces at Changi Airport for essential business, diplomatic meetings

As the world grapples with a post-Covid-19 future and what it might look like, many international meetings and conferences have been put on hold.

While Zoom meetings may be the new normal for many, there are instances when face-to-face discussions are essential, such as those pertaining to international diplomacy and security matters.

Given Singapore's location and our experience in holding such meetings, one option that our authorities could consider is to reconfigure spaces at Changi Airport — particularly within the transit areas — to allow overseas travellers to enter for such meetings and to return home afterwards, all without the need to clear immigration. 

As it is illegal to enter the transit areas without an intention to leave the country, Singapore-based participants can be given a special entry pass into the transit areas through "safe channels" to meet their foreign counterparts.

This way, there is minimal risk to the wider population, and those who are required to take part in the meetings can still do so in the relative safety of the airport’s confines.

If there is a need for participants to stay one or two nights, the Crowne Plaza or Yotelair hotels at Changi Airport can be used to house overseas delegates using special routes to ensure minimal contact with the local population.

Given that many countries are exploring ways to resume safe international travel for business, converting airport spaces for meetings will be a step towards recovery.

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