Drab no more: Changi Terminal 1 completes $500M renovation

Extensive upgrades to Changi's oldest and busiest terminal have drastically improved its interior design and passenger comforts.

According to a report fact sheet from the Changi Airport Group, a total of 182,000 sqm of floor space was renovated during the upgrading. 22,000 sqm of new floor space was created as part of the T1 upgrading project. This brings the total floor area of T1 to 308,000 sqm.

Tens of thousands of sqm in new carpet, flooring covers, and tiles were also added.

"The T1 viewing gallery has been extended by 35m into the airside to allow airport visitors a closer look at aircraft. With the extension, the wing-tip of the largest plane using the gates closest to the viewing gallery is only 4m away from the viewing gallery. The viewing gallery at T1 is now the closest point airport visitors can get near an aircraft at Changi Airport," it said.

"During the upgrading, the two departure immigration zones were merged into a centralised zone offering passengers the use of up to 18 counters. The centralised immigration zone system allows passenger flow to be more evenly spread out and optimises the deployment of immigration officers," it added.

"Gate holdrooms and their adjacent walkways were extended by 3m to 5m to provide more space for circulation and to improve the ambience for passengers waiting to board their flight (more space and additional seating). The solid external walls of the gate holdrooms were also replaced with glass to enable passengers to view activities on the airside and for natural light to flow into the pier," it said. 

"A Central Piazza has been created to provide a resting area for passengers. The 1,700 sqm open space overlooks the aircraft tarmac and can be used for airport events," it said further.

:"Concession space at T1 has increased by 12% with the completion of upgrading. There are currently about 110 outlets at T1 offering a wide choice of goods and services ranging from luxury products to electrical goods and fashion accessories as well as a variety of F&B options," it added.

A completion ceremony will take place on 18 July 2012 to celebrate the finished renovation.