Singapore Changi Airport

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Continent: Asia Country: Singapore
Singapore Changi Airport
Location Changi, Singapore
IATA code SIN
ICAO code WSSS
Airport type Commercial
Website http://www.changiairport.com/
Overview map Google Maps
Communications
Tower 118.25MHz, 118.60MHz
Ground 121.72MHz, 124.30MHz
Clearance
Approach 120.30MHz
ATIS 128.60MHz


Official Spotting Locations

Although there are no "official" spotting locations in Singapore Changi Airport, there are public viewing malls located within the terminals. All the viewing malls are air-conditioned and there are ample seats available. Listed below are a more in-depth review of the respective viewing malls.

Terminal 1 Public Indoor Viewing Mall

Newly opened in November 2010, this area is just about the only public place in the airport which you can have a clear view of aircraft movements in air conditioned comfort. It provides a clear view of the central apron, as well as movements along the three North Cross taxiways. Aircraft parked at the remote bays off the terminal, the cargo terminal and at SIAEC hangars are also visible from a distance, although the many obstacles make a full, unblocked view of the aircraft there impossible. From a distance, 20R and 20C approaches, 02L and 02C departures and 20R lineups for departure are visible.

The most common airlines using central apron gates are AirAsia and Jetstar, although a variety of airlines use these gates on a regular basis as well. It is advisable to check the gates of the flights online at the airport website (information is usually online up to four to 12 hours before) as on some days there are very few flights using the central apron whilst on other days it can be full house there.

The viewing mall is located one floor above the departure hall. Escalators to the viewing mall are located next to Immigration East (near check-in row 9 and 10).

Lens: The required lens focal length to spot here would be about 18mm-300mm [on 1.5x crop body] for most shots. Photography of aircraft is best when the aircraft are located inside the central apron or on North Cross 1, as North Cross 2 and 3 are often shrouded in heat haze from nearby aircraft.

Facilities: Restrooms, seating areas, water dispenser, air conditioning. Restaurants available nearby.

Transport: see below for directions to Changi Airport.

Terminal 2 Public Indoor Viewing Mall (Aviation Gallery)

The viewing mall here offers a view of many Singapore Airlines 777s, SilkAir and Malaysian Airlines aircraft, which are the main users of Terminal 2. Movements on 20C/02C are also visible. However, this location is unsuitable for photography, firstly as the glass panels are tinted green, and secondly the transit mall extends under the viewing mall, effectively placing two layers of glass in front of you, and a lot of panel frames to contend with. The sunshades also block you from looking at eye level, instead you have to look downwards to see the aircraft parked at the apron.

The relatively small size of the viewing mall also means that it tends to get crowded often, especially on weekends. There are many restaurants on the same level, which you will pass by before you get to the viewing mall.

The viewing mall is located one floor above the departure hall. Escalators are located between Immigration North and South, near check-in rows 5 and 6 and rows 7 and 8. There are signs that will guide you to the location.

This viewing mall has now been newly renovated into a aviation gallery which has exhibits and information on the ground operations of the airport. The view remains the same.

Terminal 3 Public Indoor Viewing Mall

The viewing mall here offers a different angle of view from the other viewing malls at Changi, giving you a more aerial-like view of the apron. Aircraft that can be seen from here are Singapore Airlines heavies, movements on 20R/02L, and in the morning and evening, the A380. However, just like at Terminal 2, the transit lounge extends beyond the viewing mall, thus the two layers of glass frames block clear views of the planes. Photography here is also near impossible.

Do note that the viewing mall tends to get crowded during the weekends but due to its large area this is quite tolerable. There is a restaurant located within the viewing gallery (Earl's Swensons) and it is a good place to dine and watch the planes at the same time!

The viewing mall is located two floors above the departure hall. There are four escalators to access the viewing mall, two at the central immigration area (between rows 4 - 5 and 6 - 7) and two at the ends of the green wall (near row 1 and row 11). There are signs to guide you.

Transit Malls

The transit malls will offer you one of the best locations to spot, giving you close views of aircraft parked at the gates. This is especially so in Terminals 2 and 3, where the aircraft wingtips are just metres away from the glass. At Changi, your best bet will be to walk in a straight line after clearing immigration (you have to walk around the shops sometimes though) and you will reach the big glass panels where you can get a good view of the planes. Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are connected by skytrain so you can hop around terminals to spot if time permits. Walking between terminals is another option. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants in the terminal. There are different things to take note of in each terminal, as written below.

Terminal 1

Terminal 1 has recently received an upgrade and now features full-height glass panels similar to those at Terminals 2 and 3. Currently, they do not appear tinted. The glass panels face the central apron and give a similar view to the (currently closed) T1 viewing mall, except from a lower angle as it is one level down.

Terminal 2

There are big glass panels spanning the height of the terminal here for the entire length of the central apron. You can also see gate F31, the first gate to be A380-ready, and its three jetways from here. However, there are currently no scheduled A380 flights from T2. The gate right next to the glass usually sees only A320 and B737s, but even then their wingtips come close to the glass. This place is very well lit at night, especially the colourful shop signs, so do watch out for reflections. There is also a very useful ledge (which is actually the glass panel frame) which can be used for a tripod at night, or a support to stabilise your shots in the day, and is wide enough to accomodate a DSLR and certain lenses. Movements on the T2 central apron, as well as on 20C/02C can be seen from here. Do note that the glass is tinted green, and it can affect your pictures, so watch your colours closely. Spotting is best done in the afternoon. At night the double layer of glass internally reflects light which may cause reflections even if the camera is shielded.

Terminal 3

Like Terminal 2, large glass panels span the height of the terminal. Down here you can see 20R/02L movements, as well as planes parked at the gates in front of the glass. The A380 parks at the A-gates in front of the glass every day. Do note that the glass is tinted green, and it can affect your pictures, so watch your colours closely. Spotting is best done in the morning. At night, do note that the double layers of glass internally reflect light, which may cause reflections even if you shield your camera.

Other Spotting Locations

Changi Beach Park

This is the best place to spot aircraft arriving on runway 20R and 20C. Generally, aircraft using Terminals 1 or 3 or cargo aircraft use 20R, and aircraft using Terminal 2 and the Budget Terminal use 20C but there are often exceptions and 20R is more heavily used. The exception is during runway maintenance which would usually last 20-30 mins and arrival traffic would temporarily be diverted to the other runway. Runway maintenance only occurs once every 6-7 hours. As the landing path is such that the plane's entire body will face the sun, it is important to know where to position yourself to get a sunlit shot of the aircraft. The park has a walking path which you can use to find the best position before walking onto the shore to spot. Runway 20R/20C is usually used between March-October after which landings are changed to 02L/02C due to seasonal wind changes. Check the weather report before heading to the location to avoid disappointment, otherwise you may have to rush to the other end at Changi Business Park by taxi (if you don't drive) at a cost of about SGD10 one way.

In the morning: For 20R arrivals it would be best to go to carpark 5. Depending on your lens you can walk around to align yourself in the best spot. For 20C you can try carpark 7 although the angle will be a little awkward and slightly more difficult to shoot. 02L departures are also possible to photograph but this may be a hit-or-miss thing depending on the time of rotation and angle of climb.

In the afternoon/evening: For 20R arrivals go to the beach area from carparks 2 to 3. You can position yourself along the beach for your desired angle. 20C arrivals are best shot from the beach after carpark 6.

The area around Carpark 4 is best for head-on shots.

Lens: You will need a focal length of around 50mm to 150mm depending on where you stand and the size of the aircraft. A lens of 300mm or more will get you some nice closeups. A longer lens will also allow you more side-on shots instead of mostly showing the underbelly.

Transport: SBS Transit operates public bus services 9, 19 and 89 which service the bus stops near carparks 1 to 5. You will need a car or taxi to get to carpark 6 or 7, however finding a taxi to take you out will not be easy.

Facilities: Toilets available at carparks 2 and 6.

Notes: 1. Listening to VHF radios is illegal. Please do not bring or use such equipment. 2. Do not point your lens toward or attempt to view or photograph the airport fenceline, CAFHI and SAF jetties or the craft parked there.


<googlemap version="0.9" lat="1.390696" lon="103.995488" zoom="17">1.390911, 103.993578Carpark 3 and 41.39001, 103.996056Carpark 5</googlemap>

Changi Business Park

This is the best place to spot aircraft arriving on runway 02L, in most cases most aircraft would land on this runway between October-February. As this area is more built up than Changi Beach Park, finding a spot which has an unobstructed view might be difficult so I have listed down one of the unobstructed locations. You will have to do some walking from Expo MRT to reach the unobstructed spots. Spotting best done in the afternoon.

Lens: 80 to 250mm will do fine for most arrivals, 300mm up needed for closeups or the occasional business jet.

Transport: Nearest train station is Expo (CG1). From there, a 15 minute walk is required to reach the best locations in CBP.

Facilities: None. Restrooms and restaurants available at Singapore Expo.

<googlemap version="0.9" lat="1.340424" lon="103.970747" zoom="16">1.337443, 103.971026Spot 1</googlemap>

Locations to Avoid

Changi Coast Road

The perimeter fence along this area is double-fenced, preventing a clear view of the airport. Only the emergency gates have a single fencing. From here, you have a side-on view of runway 20C/02C operations, the entire Terminal 2 and gates D40 to D49 of Terminal 1. However, Changi Airport is designated a Protected Place, hence photographing the terminals, apron or runway is illegal. Parking in front of the emergency gates is also prohibited. This area is regularly patrolled by police both within and outside the airport, who will not hesitate to stop and request you to leave.

The location requires either a car or a bicycle to get there as it is a good 5km to the nearest bus stop and taxis don't usually pick-up passengers from the Coast Road. There is a park connector which is separated from the perimeter fence by the Changi Coast Road with occasional shelters along the path. This park connector offers you a view of the airport as well, but obstructed by the double fencing. It is highly recommended that you DO NOT use this location for photography or even spotting using binoculars etc. You are also advised to comply fully with all police instructions if you encounter police as they can, and will, take action against those who fail to do so.

South Cross

This refers to two aircraft bridges over Airport Boulevard. Alongside the aircraft bridges is a pedestrian and vehicular bridge. Aircraft occasionally cross this bridge. It is highly recommended that you DO NOT use this location for spotting or photography as the airport is designated a protected place and photography of the airport buildings, apron or runways is illegal. Police patrols are regular and you are requested to cooperate fully with the police if questioned or asked to leave.

Scheduled Traffic

Terminal 1

AirAsia (A320 daily)
Air China (737-800, 767-300 daily)
Air France (777-300ER daily)
Air Mauritius (A330-200, A340-300)
Air Niugini (767-300)*
Bangkok Airways (A319 daily)*
Biman Bangladesh Airlines (A310-300)
British Airways (747-400, 777-200ER daily)
Cathay Pacific Airways (A330-300, 777-200, 777-300 daily, occasional 747-400 and 777-300ER)
China Airlines (A330-300, 737-800)
China Southern Airlines (A321 daily)
Delta Airlines (777-200LR, A330-300 daily)*
Emirates (777-300ER daily)
EVA Air (777-300ER)
Garuda Indonesia (737-800 daily)
Indonesia AirAsia (A320 daily, 737-300)
Japan Airlines (767-300, 777-200ER daily)
Jetstar Airways International (A320, A321 daily)
Jetstar Asia Airways (including Valuair) (A320 daily)
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (777-200ER, 777-300ER)
Lion Air (737-900ER daily)
Myanmar Airways International (A321 daily)
Qantas Airways (A330-300, 747-400 daily, A380)
Saudi Arabian Airlines (777-200ER)
SriLankan Airlines (A330-200, A340-200 daily)
Thai AirAsia (A320, 737-300 daily)
Thai Airways International (A330-300, 777-200 daily, occasional 747-400, 777-300)
Turkish Airlines (A330-200, A340-300)
Vietnam Airlines (A321, A330-200 daily, occasional 777-200ER)
Xiamen Airlines (737-800 daily)

Terminal 2

Airphil Express (A320)
Air India / Indian Airlines (A319 daily)
Air India Express (737-800 daily)
Air Macau (A319)
All Nippon Airways - ANA (767-300ER daily)
Asiana Airlines (A330-300 daily)*
Batavia Air (A319 daily)
Etihad Airways (A330-200)
Hainan Airlines (737-800)*
Hong Kong Airlines (A330-200 daily)
Korean Air (777-300 daily)*
Lufthansa German Airlines (A340-300, 747-400 daily)
Malaysia Airlines (737-400 daily, occasional 737-800)
Mandala Airlines (A320 daily) [operations currently suspended]
Philippine Airlines (A320 daily)
Royal Brunei Airlines (A19/A320 daily)
SilkAir (A319, A320 daily)
Singapore Airlines (A330-300, 777-200/200ER/300/300ER daily)
Sriwijaya Air (737-400 daily)

Terminal 3


China Eastern Airlines (A300-600R daily, A319)
Garuda Indonesia (737-800 daily) [from 1 March 2011]
Jet Airways (A330-200, 737-800 daily)
Kingfisher Airlines (A330-200)
Qatar Airways (777-300ER daily, occasional 777-200LR)
Singapore Airlines (A330-300, A340-500, A380, 747-400, 777-200/200ER/300/300ER daily)
Transaero Airlines (767-300)*
United Airlines (747-400, 777-200ER daily)

Budget Terminal

Berjaya Air (Dash 7)
Cebu Pacific Air (A319, A320)
Firefly (ATR72)
SEAIR (A319)
Tiger Airways (A319, A320)

Cargo

AeroLogic (777F)
Air Hong Kong (operated by Cathay Pacific Cargo) (747-400F)
Asialink Cargo Airlines (Fokker 50)
Asiana Cargo (747-400F)
Cardig Air (737)
Cargolux (747-400F)
China Cargo Airlines (MD-11F, occasional 777F)
EVA Cargo (MD-11F)
Federal Express (A310F, 777F, MD-11F)
Hong Kong Airlines (A330-200F)
Jett8 Airlines Cargo (747-200F)
K-Mile Air (727F)
Lufthansa Cargo (MD-11F)
Martinair Holland (747-400F)
Nippon Cargo Airlines (747F)
Shanghai Airlines Cargo (757F, MD-11F)
Singapore Airlines Cargo (747-400F)
TNT Airways (747-400ERF)
Transmile Air (727F)
Tri-MG Intra-Asia Airlines (737-200F)
United Parcel Service (757F, MD-11F)

The actual arrival and departure times of cargo airlines often vary from the scheduled timed. Check the airport website or teletext for updated flight information.

Airlines with night flight operations only marked with (*)

Facilities and Transportation

Changi Airport

Changi Airport is easily accessible by public transport.

MRT:
The MRT (train/subway system) is a quick and comfortable way to get to the airport. From the city, board the East-West Line (green line) train to Tanah Merah Station (EW4). This takes about 20 mimutes. From there, transfer to the airport-bound train at the middle platform, which takes you to the airport in about 8 minutes. The train frequency is about 6mins (4mins during peak periods) for the East-West line and 12 mins for the airport line. The MRT station is located between Terminal 2 and 3, and you can exit to either terminal. An internal skytrain system for both the public and transit passengers connects Terminals 1, 2 and 3. Directional signs to the exits are visible once you arrive. A one-way trip will cost about SGD2.90 inclusive of a SGD1.00 refundable deposit for the ticket. There are system and location maps in every station, as well as travel information such as the travel time to a station.

Public bus
Public bus services also run from the city and many town centres islandwide. The bus services will stop at each terminal(located at the basement level), calling at Terminal 3 first, then Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and the Budget Terminal before heading back to its destination of origin. Information on bus services is available at the bus terminals at the airport. Fares are about SGD0.90 to SGD1.80 by a contactless card or cash, depending on the distance travelled. Bus services available are SBS Transit 24, 27, 34, 36, 53 and SMRT 858. Bus service frequencies range from 6mins to 15mins depending on the time of boarding.

Taxi
Metered taxis can be flagged down along the streets and from airport taxi stands. However, in the business district, you can only board or alight at taxi stands. Also, taxis will not stop to pick up or alight passengers on roads where bus lanes are in effect. Fares start from SGD2.60 and increase with distance. Surcharges apply during certain times(such as morning/evening peak periods and after midnight, or when boarding from certain places). A surcharge between SGD3 and SGD5 (depending on the time of boarding) applies for all trips originating from the airport. Detailed fare information can be found in every taxi.

Facilities: Fully air-conditioned areas, restaurants and restrooms available. Car parking available.

Outdoor Locations

Changi Beach Park
SBS Transit operates public bus services 9 (from Bedok), 19 (from Tampines) and 89 (from Hougang) to Changi Beach Park. You may also take SBS Transit services 2 (from Outram Park), 29 (from Tampines), 59 (from Bishan) and 109 (from Serangoon) to Changi VIllage and walk to Changi Beach Park.

From the airport, you may follow this route:

  1. Take Bus Service 34 from the Airport to Tampines Avenue 7 Block 497D Bus Stop (it's near a petrol kiosk)
  2. Cross the road to the other side from the overhead bridge
  3. Take Bus Service 9 or 19 to Changi Beach Park

Do note that the buses 9, 19 and 89 will make a loop at the Airport Cargo Complex, a restricted area accessible only by those with valid passes, so alight before reaching the SAF Jetty and cross the road to take the bus out of Changi Beach area.

Just a 10 minute walk from the beach is Changi Village which has many restaurants and a hawker center which serves a multitude local delights at resonable prices. There is a hotel called Changi VIllage Hotel located very close to the beach so if you plan to do most spotting at Changi Beach, it is advisable to stay there, there is also an Italian Restaurant located at the top floor of the hotel which offers lovely views of aircraft landing while dining (this is even more lovely during sunset), if you are a guest, the hotel also includes complimentary shuttle services to the city center.

You may also take a metered taxi to Changi Beach Park.

Facilities: Restrooms and food & beverage kiosk available at the area between Car Park 1 and 2. Car parking available.

Changi Business Park
The nearest MRT station is Expo (CG1). Take the East-West Line (green line) to Tanah Merah station (EW4) and transfer to the airport-bound train at the middle platform. From the MRT station, it is a 10-15 minute walk to the spots at Changi Business Park. This location is best accessed by car. You may also take a metered taxi to Changi Business Park, however hailing one for your return trip will not be easy and you may have to walk to Expo station.

Facilities: Restrooms and restaurants available at Singapore Expo.

All other locations are best accessed by car. You can also hire a taxi to take you there, but it is often difficult to find one to take you out after spotting as these tend to be quiet areas, especially during weekends.

Things to Note

Weather

There is no dangerous weather here, but a rather big problem for spotters in tropical Singapore is the frequent and often unpredictable showers. Rain showers can last anything from ten minutes to a few days non-stop (especially so during the rainy season). A check with the weather forecast before you head off will be good, especially if you have limited time as many locations require nearly an hour of travel time each way if going by public transport, especially the public bus. If there is lightning and thunder, take shelter and do not go outdoors until the storm is over.

Changi Beach Area

Changi Village, near Changi Beach has some "red-light" activity by the wee hours of the night. Changi Beach can be quite quiet at night especially on weekdays. While it cannot be considered unsafe, you might not want to venture out to Changi Beach Park too late at night unless you are staying at Changi Village Hotel or are camping at the park (permits are required, camping allowed at some areas only).

Protected Place Restrictions

Changi Airport is designated a Protected Place. Hence, photography of the runway, tarmac, apron, fenceline, airport buildings, South Cross or other airport fixtures is not allowed. Please DO NOT attempt to photograph the airport from the fenceline. Also take note that photography of aircraft on the tarmac while boarding or disembarking at the Budget Terminal is not allowed and security personnel will stop those who do so.

Security Personnel

Patrols of the airport are regularly conducted by police and security personnel both from inside and outside the airport compound. Changi Beach and Changi Business Park also have occasional police patrols in the interest of public safety and security. If you are approached by police or security personnel, please do not hesitate to show your identification (IC, passport, etc.) and the photographs you have taken if requested. Please comply fully with all police instructions.

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