Understand
IATA
SIN
ICAO
WSSS
Location
Singapore, Singapore 
Hub
Jetstar Asia Airways, Scoot, SilkAir, Singapore Airlines, Singapore Airlines Cargo and FedEx Express
Establishing year
1981
Singapore Changi Airport is the main airport serving Singapore. It is one of the largest airports in Asia. It is currently rated the World’s Best Airport by Skytrax for the seventh year in a row since 2013 (as of 2019). Owned by the Government of Singapore and operated by three organisations, this airports opened in 1981. It is the hub for Jetstar Asia Airways, Scoot, SilkAir, Singapore Airlines, Singapore Airlines Cargo and FedEx Express.
SIN has four terminals.
Terminal 1 was opened in 1981 and renovated in 2019.
Terminal 2 was opened in 1990.
Terminal 3 was opened in 2008.
Terminal 4 was opened in 2017 at the site of an older, budget terminal.
The former budget terminal, which was replaced in 2017, had a life-span of just 6 years — from 2006 to 2012!
Terminal 5 is expected to be built around 2035. It will be bigger than Terminal 1, 2 and 3 combined! All terminals were, are, and will be international.
At SIN, there is also a multi-structure, interconnecting Terminals 1, 2 and 3, called Jewel Changi Airport. It opened in 2019.
Since 2018, Singapore Changi Airport has had over 65,600,000 passengers and over 2,150,000 tonnes of airfreight.
8 accidents happened in Singapore Changi Airport. In 1991, SQ117 was hijacked, and landed at Changi. In 2010, a Qantas Airbus A380-800 suffered an “uncontained engine failure” and made an emergency landing. In 2017, a fire broke out in Terminal 2. In 2019 strange drones flew around Changi.
Even though, the four terminals are close to each other, the CAAS (Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore) decided to make the Changi Airport Skytrain, a people-mover system. To get to the actual airport, you can take a bus, a taxi or private transport.
What to do
Explore the airport's gardens
Changi airport is known for its beautiful gardens, which provide a refreshing oasis from the bustle of the airport. The airport has several themed gardens, including the Sunflower Garden, the Butterfly Garden, and the Orchid Garden. The gardens are free to enter and are open 24 hours a day, so you can visit them any time during your layover. The gardens are also a great place to take some Instagram-worthy photos.
Shop 'til you drop
If you love shopping, Changi airport won't disappoint you. The airport has over 400 retail stores, ranging from luxury boutiques to duty-free outlets. You can find everything from designer handbags and cosmetics to electronics and souvenirs. If you're feeling hungry, there are also plenty of restaurants and cafes where you can grab a bite to eat.
Take a dip in the rooftop pool
If you're looking for a unique way to pass the time, consider taking a dip in the rooftop pool. Located in Terminal 1, the pool is open to passengers for a fee. You can also enjoy a drink at the adjacent bar while taking in panoramic views of the airport.
Visit the entertainment areas
Changi airport has several entertainment areas where you can relax and have fun. For example, you can catch a movie at the 24-hour cinema, play video games at the Xbox Kinect room, or take a nap in one of the many lounges. There's even a free slide that you can ride down if you're feeling adventurous!
Experience the art installations
Changi airport is home to several impressive art installations that are sure to catch your eye. For example, the Kinetic Rain sculpture in Terminal 1 features 1,216 bronze droplets that move in a mesmerizing pattern. There's also a giant, interactive LED screen in Terminal 2 that displays digital art.
Relax in the airport lounges
If you're looking for a quiet place to relax, consider visiting one of the airport lounges. Changi airport has several lounges that are open to passengers for a fee or for free if you have a membership or a certain credit card. The lounges typically offer comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary food and drinks.
Overall, there are plenty of things to do at Changi airport to make your layover more enjoyable. Whether you want to explore the gardens, go shopping, take a dip in the pool, or just relax in a lounge, there's something for everyone at this world-class airport.
