Coronavirus Fallout: Singapore’s Changi International Airport To Suspend Terminal 2 Operations For 18 Months

Speaking in the Parliamentary debate on support measures announced for Singaporeans affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan said that Changi Airport’s Terminal 2 will be suspend operations for 18 months from 1 May, reports Todayonline.com.

Explaining the rational behind the move, Mr Khaw said that these are unprecedented times. He further added that Covid-19 pandemic has obliterated demand for international air travel and one terminal is enough to handle the current air-travel volume.

Additionally, the shutting down of Terminal 2 will bring down the running cost for the airport operator. Also, it will lead to shortening of project time for upgrading work at the terminal, which is currently scheduled to end in 2024, by one year.

The remaining terminals - Terminal 1, Terminal 3 and Terminal 4, will be in operation.

A media statement by Changi Airport Group (CAG) read, “If the remaining airlines at T4 choose to suspend or adjust their flight schedule, CAG will also consider suspending operations at T4 temporarily but with the objective of restarting operations quickly when airlines confirm the resumption of flights.”

Mr Khaw also said that the fully recovery is highly unlikely in the current year, and added that plans for post-pandemic recovery should be made.