The airport Singapore Changi (SIN) The newer, flashier Terminal 3. Credit: iStock The flight SQ221 to Sydney, economy class The arrival Loading I’ve arrived at Singapore Changi, as many passengers do, by plane – this is a four-hour stopover between a flight from Frankfurt and one on to Sydney. For those arriving from Singapore itself, it’s about a half-hour cab ride from downtown, or an hour by public transport.
The look Is this the world’s greatest airport? Apparently, not any more. In April this year, the consultancy firm Skytrax released its annual list of the world’s best airports, and Changi slipped from first place to second , replaced at the top by Doha’s Hamad International. And to be honest, Changi Terminal 2, where I arrive, isn’t the most spectacular facility, with low ceilings and carpets that wouldn’t be out of place in your local RSL.
Once I transfer to the newer, flashier Terminal 3, however, I’m reminded why this place is so universally admired. Check-in I’m already checked in, given this is a connecting flight, so there’s nothing to worry about here. Security Unlike most airports, transferring passengers step off the plane at Changi and go straight into the airside departures area, with no extra security check – that will be done later, before entering the gate-lounge area.
Swimming pool, with a bar, at Singapore Changi Airport. Food and drink I’ve spent a fair amount of time wandering Hamad International and I can tell you that its .