Everything About the ‘Closure’ of Changi Airport T4; It’s All About Saving Costs

It’s been a dreary couple of months for airplanes and globetrotters all over the country.

First, we saw this depressing picture of SIA planes parked sadly in an Australian desert.

Shortly before that, Changi Airport announced Terminal 2 would be closed for 18 months from 1 May to cut costs and to begin planned upgrade works.

And travellers were told in March that they would have to pay full hospital charges if they continued to travel abroad despite the government’s advisory to defer all travel.

Yes, it’ll be a while before we can fly off to a foreign land for a stress-busting vacation.

Reader: Is there a but in this introduction, or are you just reminding me of all the bad news we’ve heard in the last few months?

There’s no but, unfortunately. In fact, I have even more bad news for you.

Reader: I knew I should have stayed on Netflix. 

Everything About the ‘Closure’ of Changi Airport T4; It’s All About Saving Costs

Changi Airport has announced it will suspend operations at Terminal 4 (T4) from 16 May to “optimise resources” due to the sharp decline in flight movements during the Covid-19 pandemic.

In a statement, the Changi Airport Group (CAG) said this will help to “save on running costs such as utilities and cleaning”.

This makes sense, considering the number of visitors to Singapore dropped to around 240,000 in March, the lowest since the SARS outbreak in 2003.

So, what will happen to the airlines at T4??

Moved To Other Terminals

Since Terminal 2 is also closed, airlines currently based in T4 will now operate out of Terminals 1 or 3.

According to The Straits Times, Cathay Pacific and Korean Air will move to T1.

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The assigned terminals for other airlines will be announced when they next operate flights at Changi.

But only God knows when that will be. 

Consequently, all the stores and restaurants will have to close, though no one goes to T4 to eat, so this shouldn’t be a problem.

Reader: You’ve obviously never eaten at London Fat Duck, then.

Will Reopen When Demand Picks Up

Fortunately, unlike T2, T4 will not be closed for a long-ass time.

Hopefully.

But the question of when to resume operations in T4 depends on when air travel demand picks up and on “the requirements of airlines seeking to relaunch flights at Changi Airport,” CAG said.

They added that they’re ready to restart operations at T4 as soon as a sufficient number of flights return to the terminal.

Still The Best Airport In The World

Despite much lower traffic and the closure of terminals, Changi Airport has recently been named the world’s best airport for the eighth consecutive year.

According to Malay Mail, Skytrax announced the winners of the World Airport Awards 2020 on Monday (11 May).

Changi Airport: Damn, I didn’t even try this year and I won.

Don’t get cocky, Changi.

Despite airports around the world being emptier than a TikToker’s head, Skytrax said they decided to release the winners of their annual awards “…to bring some cheer into the airport industry in these difficult times.”

Chang Airport’s luxurious-looking T4 might have had something to do with their win, with its fast check-ins and gorgeous attractions.

Hopefully, this beautiful terminal won’t be closed for too long and travellers can soon return to the skies.

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