Changi Airport Terminal 2: Where Art, Nature, and Technology Converge
After three and a half years of engineering and expansion efforts, Terminal 2 (T2) at Changi Airport has successfully reopened ahead of schedule, fully restoring four-terminal operations. This timely completion was essential to meet capacity demands, particularly in anticipation of a full travel recovery to pre-COVID-19 levels expected by 2024. The T2 expansion project has added a capacity for an additional five million passengers per annum (mppa) to Changi Airport, increasing the airport’s total handling capacity to 90 mppa.
T2’s design philosophy revolves around a nature-inspired theme, with various elements seamlessly incorporating nature throughout the terminal. From ceiling designs to wall finishes mirroring natural landscapes, carpet patterns, and horticultural displays, the terminal immerses visitors in a serene and soothing atmosphere, fostering tranquillity and relaxation.
At the core of T2’s departure hall stands a magnificent 14-meter-tall digital display known as “The Wonderfall,” set against a vertical garden backdrop. This awe-inspiring installation captures the raw beauty of nature with a majestic waterfall cascading over megalithic boulders.
Inside the departure transit area, a new garden named “Dreamscape” captivates visitors with its enchanting array of plants, complemented by a “digital sky” that changes hues according to the time of day.
The T2 expansion project has added over 21,000 square meters to the terminal, accommodating additional infrastructure, new systems, and an expanded range of retail offerings. With a central common-use Fast and Seamless Travel (FAST) zone, the number of automated check-in kiosks and bag drop machines has nearly doubled. The immigration halls have been expanded to support additional automated immigration lanes, ensuring efficient passenger service.
T2 also boasts automated Special Assistance Lanes for persons with disabilities and young children at both arrival and departure immigration. A fully automated early baggage storage system, capable of handling up to 2,400 bags, has been installed.
With 16 airlines operating at T2, the terminal connects to 40 cities, serving close to 10 million passengers since the reopening of its arrival south wing in May 2022. For September 2023, passenger traffic at Changi Airport reached approximately 90% of pre-COVID-19 levels.
Mr. Tan Lye Teck, CAG’s Programme Director for the Terminal 2 Expansion Project, expressed the project’s goals to enhance the passenger experience, merging modern design inspired by nature with immersive digital experiences, innovative technology, and transformative retail and dining concepts.
In addition to its role as a bustling air hub, Changi Airport continues to establish itself as a world-class lifestyle destination. Recent retail and food & beverage store openings in both T2’s public and transit areas offer visitors novel experiences. Highlights include Southeast Asia’s first Funko pop-up, homegrown brands like Lynk Fragrances, Baker’s Well, and Café O, as well as Changi Airport’s first landside duplex cafe, Jones the Grocer. JINJJA Chicken also returns with a fresh concept, JINJJA Kitchen, featuring hotplate bulgogi and Croffles (croissant waffles).
For travellers, the newly opened Lotte Duty Free Wines & Spirits store in transit is a notable addition, featuring a first-in-airport robot bartender named Toni and an exquisite lounge called the Forest of Li Bai. The Gourmet Garden dining area offers panoramic views and includes familiar names like Hard Rock Cafe, The Satay Club by Harry’s, Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice, The Hainan Story, CRAVE Nasi Lemak, and Old Chang Kee.
Changi Airport Terminal 2 has received recognition for its design and user-friendliness, earning the BCA Universal Design Excellence Award, as well as the BCA Green Mark Platinum for its sustainability features, ensuring the highest level of environmental performance.
