Singapore's Changi Airport, consistently recognized as the premier airport globally, boasts the renowned indoor waterfall, which holds the distinction of being the tallest indoor waterfall in the world.
Recently, the airport has implemented a new biometric-based passport-free system in its immigration area.
Travelers can now pass through without presenting a passport, utilizing biometric data for clearance instead.
To take advantage of this system, tourists must register their biometric information, including facial recognition, fingerprints, and iris scans, prior to use.
Currently, children under the age of six are not eligible to participate in this trial system.
The new technology is designed to enable passengers to move through the process in as little as 10 seconds.
At present, it is being trialed in Terminal 3, with plans for a full rollout across the airport by December.
Changi Airport in Singapore has introduced new passport-free gatesCredit: CNA/Eugene Goh |
British travelers will still need to carry their passports to enter Singapore.
This initiative is part of the New Clearance Concept being introduced in Singapore.
The goal is to have 95 percent of travelers utilizing automated lanes by early 2026.
This advancement aims to significantly reduce wait times, with the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) estimating a 40 percent decrease in processing times.
Additionally, the airport has announced plans for a major new terminal, expected to open by 2030.
Originally unveiled in 2013, the upcoming Terminal 5 will increase the airport's capacity by an additional 50 million passengers annually, raising the total to 140 million.
Furthermore, flights to an additional 200 cities will be introduced, expanding from the current 150 destinations.
While the exact opening date and budget for the terminal remain undisclosed, it is anticipated to be a multi-billion-pound investment.
This new terminal announcement follows a trend of significant airport developments worldwide.
Anyone over the age of six will be able to use themCredit: Alamy
A comprehensive list of complimentary offerings available at Changi Airport
Travel writer Qin Xie has highlighted some lesser-known complimentary amenities and attractions at Changi Airport.
Terminal 1
- Located on the third level of Terminal 1 is a viewing area that allows passengers to observe the aircraft at the gate. Adjacent to this area is a children's play zone featuring artistic activities. Additionally, there is an outdoor cactus garden and a water lily garden.
Terminal 2
- The third level hosts a complimentary cinema that screens films around the clock. There is also a gaming area equipped with free games for Xbox, PlayStation, and arcade machines.
Terminal 3
- On the first level, you will find the tallest airport slide in the world, which descends to level -2 (note that a complimentary ride is available for every S$10 spent at the airport). The second level features ST3PS, a showcase area for films and live performances. Visitors can also enjoy a complimentary Singapore Sling at the DFS Wines and Spirits Duplex store.
Terminal 4
- The primary free attraction here is the Heritage Zone, which features the short film "Peranakan Love Story," depicting life in Singapore during the 1930s.
Changi Airport is often named the best in the worldCredit: Getty |
The King Salman International Airport in Saudi Arabia is set to accommodate up to 120 million passengers upon its opening. Similarly, Istanbul Airport is undergoing significant expansion, with plans to handle the same passenger capacity by 2028.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong remarked, "Some have announced plans for mega airports that can manage over 100 million passengers annually, thereby closing the gap with Singapore.
As a result, flights that would typically transit through Changi may become unnecessary."
Changi Airport unveiled its impressive £921 million Jewel hub in 2019, featuring a stunning waterfall and 280 shops and dining options. Additionally, in 2023, Terminal 2 of the airport was expanded.