Singapore Changi Airport T1 upgrade delivers new look, more space

Singapore's Changi Airport Terminal 1 is looking fresher and brighter after a massive four-year renovation.

The original terminal, built 31 years ago and currently home to Qantas and British Airways flights, is also bigger where it matters: 22,000 square metres bigger inside, for a new total of 308,000 square metres, with expansion focussed on areas which travellers can use.

You'll find wider passageways, bigger gate holding areas, higher ceilings, extra windows, better lighting and more of Singapore's signature tropical landscaping.

The SG$500m (just under A$400m) overhaul includes a new departure kerbside canopy to protect you from Singapore's equally signature tropical downpours.

The ceiling above the middle of the T1 check-in area has also been raised by a full storey, which should make everything feel a bit more spacious and make it easier to find your way through the terminal.

After you've checked in, you'll also encounter a new single departure immigration checkpoint, which the airport expects will mean shorter queues and a more efficient process.

But before heading to immigration, spare a few minutes to scope out the mesmerising "Kinetic Rain", which is the world's largest kinetic art sculpture:

John Walton

Aviation journalist and travel columnist John took his first long-haul flight when he was eight weeks old and hasn't looked back since. Well, except when facing rearwards in business class.