SINGAPORE. Singapore Changi Airport will reopen terminals 1 and 3 to the public on 1 September. It closed the terminals to local visitors in May following a COVID-19 outbreak, though flight arrivals and departures continued. Terminals 2 and 4 remain closed.
Under new protocols introduced to safeguard the health of travellers, airport workers and members of the public, the Arrivals Halls will be restricted to arriving passengers and professional meet-and-greet services. This will minimise interaction between arriving passengers and local residents, said Changi Airport Group.
CAG said that more than 80% of the retail and F&B outlets at T1 and T3 will resume operations, although F&B and retail outlets in T3 arrivals will be temporarily closed to the public with the new protocols and zonal segregation.
A new dedicated dining area for airport staff has been set up at T3 Basement 2 next to the Kopitiam food court, to minimise their interaction with the public. In the T3 Arrivals Hall, parts of the area have been converted into a staff rest area. The air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems at the terminals have also been enhanced, said CAG.
Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) Director-General Han Kok Juan said, “We are satisfied with the safeguards put in place by Changi Airport Group and the airport community for the reopening of Terminals 1 and 3. As Singapore takes cautious steps to further reopen our borders, we need to ensure that Changi Airport remains a safe airport for travellers coming into and transiting through Singapore, airport workers and the general public. CAAS will continue to actively review safety protocols at the airport based on an assessment of risks and the prevailing COVID-19 situation.”
CAG Chief Executive Officer Lee Seow Hiang said, “Ensuring the health and safety of passengers, visitors and airport staff remains the top priority for CAG. With the reopening of Changi Airport’s terminals to visitors, we continue to work with the authorities and our airport partners to put in place and maintain multiple layers of safety measures. We hope this assures all airport users and instils a high sense of confidence among them. For the airport community who have rallied with us over the past few months, we want to thank them for their perseverance and determination to keep Changi safe for all.”
