Terminal 2 (T2) at Singapore’s Changi Airport has recently undergone three and a half years of engineering and expansion works, and has fully reopened ahead of schedule. The completion of this massive project has restored four-terminal operations and added 5 million passengers per annum (mppa) to Changi’s capacity, bringing the airport’s total handling capacity to an impressive 90 mppa.
Central to the heart of T2’s departure hall is a stunning digital display known as The Wonderfall, situated amidst a magnificent vertical garden. This scenic display is truly awe-inspiring and sets the tone for a memorable travel experience. Additionally, within the departure transit area, a beautiful garden called Dreamscape has been brought to life by a “digital sky” that changes its colors depending on the time of day, providing a unique atmosphere for travelers passing through the terminal.
The T2 expansion project includes the addition of over 226,042 square feet to the terminal building, providing the necessary support for additional infrastructure, state-of-the-art systems, and a wider array of retail offerings. The central common-use Fast and Seamless Travel (FAST) zone has significantly increased the number of automated check-in kiosks and bag drop machines, nearly doubling their quantity. Moreover, the immigration halls have been expanded to support additional automated immigration lanes, improving efficiency and allowing more passengers to be served at any given time.
One of the significant advancements in T2 is the introduction of automated Special Assistance Lanes designed to offer convenience and accessibility for persons with disabilities and young children at both arrival and departure immigration. In addition, a new fully automated early baggage storage system has been installed, with the remarkable capacity to handle up to 2,400 bags. These innovations are a testament to the airport’s commitment to providing seamless and inclusive services to all travelers.
Visitors to the public areas of T2 are in for a treat with an array of novel concepts and new offerings. Among the highlights is the introduction of Southeast Asia’s first Funko pop-up, providing a unique shopping experience for fans of the popular collectible brand. Furthermore, the departure hall now features three homegrown brands that are new to Changi, including Lynk Fragrances, Baker’s Well, and Café O.
For those seeking culinary delights, T2 now houses a wide range of food and beverage options, such as Jones the Grocer, which is the airport’s first landside duplex café, offering a mix of grab-and-go deli-style food and a bar and restaurant experience. There is also the noteworthy return of the Korean fast-food chain JINJJA Chicken, now known as JINJJA Kitchen, which offers hotplate bulgogi and croissant waffles, providing a unique take on fast food.
Moreover, the newly opened Lotte Duty Free Wines & Spirits offers more than just liquor, as it features a first-in-airport robot bartender named Toni. The store’s ambiance is enhanced by a 90-foot circumference LED ring that plays scenes of the moon reflecting in a lake, inspired by the famous work of Tang dynasty poet Li Bai, “Drinking Alone Under the Moon.” Additionally, Lotte’s lounge at the upper level, called the Forest of Li Bai, provides a premium experience for visitors, offering 18 whiskey choices from a wall of dispensers, a smart selfie mirror, and a captivating LED video ceiling.
As for the food and beverage offerings, travelers can indulge in a diverse selection of culinary experiences, with options including Gourmet Garden, The Satay Club by Harry’s, Hard Rock Café, Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice, The Hainan Story bakery and coffee & toast kiosk, CRAVE Nasi Lemak, and Old Chang Kee.
In summary, the comprehensive expansion and reopening of Terminal 2 at Changi Airport mark a transformative moment for the facility. The new and improved T2 not only offers enhanced capacity and efficiency, but also introduces a host of innovative and exciting amenities and experiences that will delight travelers as they pass through one of the world’s leading airports.
