Two years later in 1979, the actual construction of Changi Airport begins with the laying of the foundation stone of the Terminal 1 superstructure.

On 14 July 1979, SIA and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) sign an agreement to establish air links between the two countries, allowing each airline to operate three flights a week.

Even though Changi Airport only officially commenced operations in 1981, we started a series of firsts in the world.

We were first to introduce the concept of airport gardens, as well as the first to allow passengers to make free local telephone calls in transit, and more.

As an improvement from Paya Lebar Airport, taxi queues were located indoors so passengers were provided with a completely air-conditioned experience from disembarkation to their taxis.

On 30 June 1981, the airport moves from Paya Lebar to its new premises at Changi.

The following day, Terminal 1 officially becomes operational with the arrival of its first flight—SQ101, carrying 140 passengers from Kuala Lumpur —at 0700 hrs. The first departing flight, SQ192, leaves for Penang at 0800 hrs on the same day.

In just two weeks, 250,000 visitors—or 1 in 10 Singaporeans—visit the airport. Paid tours to the restricted area after immigration are conducted at $0.50 per person.

By 1986, Terminal 1 has surpassed the 10 million passenger mark and construction work for Terminal 2 begins.

By the early 1990s, Changi is welcoming 52 airlines operating 1,900 weekly flights to 111 cities in 52 countries. Visitor arrivals hit 5.3 million.

In 1991, Terminal 2 officially opens to accommodate the ever-growing number of passengers. In the same year, the Changi Airport Skytrains are launched to offer passengers an efficient, comfortable connection between the two terminals.

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, contactless and cleaning innovations for a safer passenger journey rolls out airport-wide. The innovations include touch-free automated kiosks for check-in and bag drop-offs, as well as biometric face and iris recognition systems at immigration. Autonomous cleaning robots are also deployed at the terminals. 

In August, Changi Airport launches food delivery service, Changi Eats.

The service allows local diners to enjoy Changi’s extensive food offerings delivered right to their doorsteps with the innovative option of mixing and matching orders from up to five different outlets at Changi Airport and Jewel, and at zero service fees.

The Changi Airport Connector (CAC), a 3.5-kilometre cycling and jogging path that links Changi Airport to East Coast Park and the Park Connector Network (PCN), officially opens on 11 October.

The CAC is home to the Changi Jurassic Mile – an outdoor display of more than 30 life-sized dinosaur exhibits. The HUB & SPOKE pit stop facility at Terminal 2, where visitors can rent bicycles, shower, or have a meal, officially opens as well.

In October, Changi Airport launches its first digital wallet, Changi Pay.

Using Changi Pay, shoppers and diners can make contactless QR payments at Changi Airport and Jewel Changi Airport stores, redeem discount vouchers upon check-out, and seamlessly earn Changi Rewards and CapitaStar points (for Jewel stores) with just one scan. Changi Pay can also be used while shopping on iShopChangi, Changi’s online duty-free retail platform.