About
Airports are no longer just places where planes take off and land. They have become the pride of nations, the proof of a country's progress and development. Hence, airports have become symbols of modernity, with luxurious airline lounges, retail outlets and the latest technology.

If airports are truly a reflection of progress, then Singapore certainly stands on the peak of the upward climb of development. Changi Airport, undoubtedly one of the world's best airports, was ranked No. 1 in 2006 by Skytrax, the world's leading quality advisor to airlines and airports. Such a ranking was achieved by providing customers and clients with the best possible airport experience, from sleek architecture to the latest technology to exceptional customer service.

The modern grandeur of Changi Airport strikes you right from its façade. The airport is vast and gleaming, its exterior comprising metallic tiles, sunroofs and glass windows that engulf the structure in sunlight. The interior is similar. It's always bright, sunny, spacious and cool.

The airport has three terminals serving over 80 airlines and 4000 flights a week, with frequent flights to Hongkong, New York, Shanghai and London. The first two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, welcome the national carriers. The third is the Budget Terminal, which is allocated for budget airlines. The three terminals are side by side and face the majestic control tower, which stands erect at the foot of the East Coast Parkway (ECP). You can travel from one terminal to another via the Skytrain, a free service for all passengers and visitors of the airport.

History
Changi Airport was opened in 1981. Part of the airport's grounds used to be the British air base, when the whole Changi area was used for colonial military operations. Changi Airport is the successor of three previous international airports in Singapore, namely Seletar Airport, Kallang Airport and Paya Lebar Airport, in that order. This airport was opened at a time when Singapore was developing at an unprecedented rate that was accompanied by growing demands for air transport.

The Terminals
Terminal 1 is the oldest and busiest wing of the airport. Most airlines fly to this terminal, including Air France, British Airways and Qantas Airways Ltd. This makes this terminal the busiest of the three. Despite this, however, Terminal 1 is not overcrowded, with the capacity to comfortably service 21 million people a year. The terminal's Ambassador Transit Hotel allows passengers to take a rest while waiting for their next flight in luxury, with Balinese-style decor and a rooftop swimming pool.

Home of Singapore Airlines, Terminal 2 began operation in 1990. This terminal is larger than the first, but serves fewer airlines. These airlines include Air Canada, Malaysian Airlines and Lufthansa German Airlines. The Budget Terminal, opened in 2006, is the latest addition to the airport complex and carries Tiger Airways.

All three terminals offer a range of facilities that make your visit to the airport both convenient and comfortable. There are over 160 retail outlets and 80 eateries in the airport, selling everything from Samsonite suitcases to Chanel bags. You can also go for a walk in one of the many gardens in the airport, or go to a spa for a massage. Business executives can utilize the business centers or access the internet and their children can play computer games at one of the many Xbox stations. It is also easy to leave the airport if you want, with a multitude of taxis and car rental services waiting you as you exit. As you drive out of the airport, you will see the source and anchor of Changi Airport 's soaring status – the headquarters of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and Singapore Air Terminal Services Ltd (SATS).