Changi Airport’s Terminal 4 will temporarily suspend its operation starting this Saturday (16 May) due to poor air traffic caused by COVID-19 pandemic, said Changi Airport Group (CAG) in a statement on Tuesday (12 May).
Last month, the Group had also suspended all services at Terminal 2 for 18 months.
“Changi Airport’s terminal operations will be consolidated further to optimise resources in tandem with the sharp decline in flight movements because of the global Covid-19 pandemic,” CAG said.
It added, “This move will enable CAG and its airport partners to continue to save on running costs such as utilities and cleaning.”
Currently, there is a small number of flights operating from Terminal 4. As for airlines that are based in T4, they will be moved to Terminal 1 or 3 instead. Cathay Pacific and Korean Air will be transferred to T1. Terminals assigned for other airlines will be announced when they start to operate their next flights at Changi.
Due to this temporary closure, stores and restaurants located in T4 will also be closed; and the shuttle bus service connecting to T3 will be stopped until operations in T4 recommence.
“The timing of this will depend on when air travel demand picks up and on the requirements of airlines seeking to relaunch flights at Changi Airport,” CAG noted.
It continued, “Even as terminal operations are scaled down during this period, CAG continues to work closely with its airline and airport partners, and stands ready to restart operations at T4 as soon as a sufficient number of flights return to the terminal.”
In April, Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan said that the suspension of Terminal 2 would permit upgrading works at the terminal to speed up, which is expected to be done by 2024.
In regards to the latest suspension of Terminal 4, Mr Khaw stated in a Facebook post that everyone should remain optimistic that things at the aviation industry will see a positive change soon.
“These are trying times for aviation and the Changi community. Great uncertainties remain but we remain optimistic on eventual aviation recovery,” he expressed.
He added, “Meanwhile, Changi continues to play its part, bringing essential supplies to Singapore and mounting repatriation flights. And finalising detailed plans to protect crew and air passengers, when people start to fly again.”
Terminal 4 is the latest terminal at the airport as it was only opened in October 2017. The idea was conceptualised in 2011 in order to increase Changi Airport’s terminal capacity, given that the Changi East project will only be completely in the 2030s.
T4’s suspension will result in some other changes at the airport, which include reducing skytrain services at Changi Airport due to low demand.
However, visitors and staff can still use the MRT link bridge between T3 and T2, as well as the link bridges that take people to Jewel Changi Airport.
As for taxi stands at T1 and T3, it will be consolidated with only one serving each terminal.
CAG also noted that food and beverages stores at the airport are still operating for takeouts. Essential services like pharmacies are also operational for airport staff members and the public who are at the close proximity with the airport.