This was published 4 years ago
Singapore's Changi Airport to close Terminal 2 for 18 months
Terminal 2 at Changi Airport. Credit: Paul Dingman
Singapore will suspend its Changi Airport Terminal 2 for 18 months from May 1 due to a massive downturn in traffic due to the coronavirus.
The airlines in Terminal 2 will be reallocated across the remaining terminals.
Its Terminal 4 operations have also been scaled down considerably. Changi Airport may consider suspending operations temporarily if the remaining airlines choose to suspend or adjust their flight schedules.
Terminal 2's Orchid Garden Koi Pond.
Singapore Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan said the shutting of Terminal 2 will speed up current upgrading works.
"Changi Airport is deserted. Airlines, ground handlers, airport shops and restaurants have all experienced a sharp fall in business," he said.
"Their workers have seen huge pay cuts. I met them often, face to face, at the airport. As the virus grew into a global pandemic, I saw increasing fear in their eyes," reported Today Online.
More than 15 species of orchids are displayed on different natural structures, including a number of them tied on natural driftwood overhanging the Koi Pond. Credit: Changi Airport Group
The airport operator, Changi Airport Group (CAG), said air travel demand will not return to pre-Covid-19 levels in the near term.
Executive Vice President of Airport Management, Tan Lye Teck, said: "With airlines suspending flights in response to the sharply reduced travel demand, the consolidation efforts seek to help our airport partners during this difficult time.
"While the scale of our operations will be reduced in the near term, Changi Airport remains open to serve the airfreight and passenger flights that continue to operate.
"Even as our airport capacity is being optimised for the current situation, we will have the flexibility and we stand ready to ramp up operations quickly once the recovery takes place."
London airports Heathrow and Gatwick have also announced terminal closures.
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