Changi Airport is fully reopening Terminal 2 (T2) ahead of schedule to restore four terminals’ operations to normal, in time to welcome Indonesian traveler who chooses Singapore as their year-end vacation destination. T2 offers new experiences and facilities, bringing together a modern terminal inspired by nature with immersive digital experiences and innovative technology, including The Wonderfall and Dreamscape.
The T2 expansion project has increased Changi’s annual passenger capacity by five million passengers per annum (mppa), reaching a total of 90mppa. T2’s completion is timely and needed to meet capacity requirements, in anticipation of full travel recovery to pre-Covid levels in 2024. In September 2023, passenger traffic between Indonesia and Singapore has recovered to 84% of pre-Covid levels, compared to 40% recovery in 2022.
As of October 2023, Changi connects with 10 Indonesian cities through 8 airlines, including Batik Air, Citilink, and Garuda Indonesia, as well as international carriers such as KLM-Royal, Singapore Airlines, and Dutch Airlines, providing 424 weekly flights between Singapore and Indonesia. Jakarta stands as Southeast Asia’s second busiest international route and the world’s eighth busiest, served by eight airlines operating 189 weekly flights between Singapore and Jakarta.
The T2 expansion project has added 21,000 square metres of space to support additional infrastructure, new systems and more retail offerings. At the heart of T2’s departure hall now boasts The Wonderfall, a 14-metre-tall digital canvas set amid a vertical garden, which showcases nature’s raw beauty with a majestic waterfall cascading over megalithic boulders. Within the transit area, a brand-new garden – Dreamscape, mesmerizes with its enchanting array of plants amid a meticulously landscaped backdrop, brought alive by a ‘digital sky’ which changes its hues depending on time of day. The transit area also offers a TV Lounge where travelers can indulge in the latest sports and live TV programs on a large LED screen. For families traveling with kids, 2 Bears Hideout offers an engaging and adventurous playtime experience for children.
The Gourmet Garden, a unique dining area with stunning panoramic views of the apron and luscious foliage draping down from above, beckons travelers in search of Singapore’s distinctive flavors. The Satay Club by Harry’s, known for its signature skewers, also offers local fusion cocktail creations. Wee Nam Kee Chicken Rice is where diners will be able to savour Singapore’s iconic chicken rice, while at The Hainan Story bakery and coffee & toast kiosk, freshly made pastries and Kopi Gu You (butter coffee) will satisfy those looking for a taste of Singapore’s culinary heritage. More local favourites are also available, including CRAVE Nasi Lemak and Old Chang Kee.
The revitalized public spaces of T2 are also home to a host of fresh and enticing brands, both local and international. Among the newcomers is Kenangan Coffee, hailing from Indonesia, renowned not only for its high-quality and affordably priced coffee but also for its diverse selection of beverages where Asia meets the world. For dim sum enthusiasts, the beloved homegrown brand Swee Choon offers an opportunity to savor their favorites, while their unique Hong Kong milk tea gelato, crafted in collaboration with local ice cream café Creamier, will debut exclusively at Changi Airport.
Additionally, travelers can indulge in some retail therapy at the array of newly opened shops in T2. Luxury Italian jeweler Pomellato has set up a boutique, along with Old Seng Choong, a specialist in heritage recipes and nostalgic baked goods, making it the ideal destination for acquiring Singaporean-flavored souvenirs.
Changi Airport has enhanced passengers’ travel experiences in T2 with a range of innovations. These include a central Fast and Seamless Travel (FAST) zone for common use, increased automated check-in kiosks and bag drop machines. Under the Automated Clearance Initiative, travelers with eligible biometric passports can take advantage of automated immigration lanes when arriving at Changi Airport.