Singapore Changi Airport

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

**********HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR UPGRADING WORKS, TO REOPEN MID-2010**********

This area is just about the only place in the airport which you can spot. There are ample seats in this air-conditioned viewing mall, a food court and a pub on the same level, and restrooms located nearby, making the place rather comfortable. Currently occupying the east side of the terminal, 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. Also visible are 20R departures and landings, 20C landings, and 02R and 02C departures, but from a distance.

The usual aircraft parked at the central apron include Garuda 737s, Qantas A330s, Cathay Pacific and Jetstar A320s. It is advisable to check the gates of the flights online at the airport website (information is usually online up to 12 hours before, although for shorter flights this may only be available about 2 hours before the arrival of the flight) as on some days there are very few flights using the central apron whilst on other days it can be full house there.

The required lens focal length to spot here would be about 30mm-300mm for most shots, although 400mm will be useful to shoot A320/B737 Family aircraft or the occasional private jet taxing on North Cross 3.

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).

Airliners.net sample photo: medium large
Airliners.net sample photo: medium large

Terminal 2 Public Indoor Viewing Mall

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.

Note: as at 6th August 2009 this Viewing Mall is closed for redevelopment.

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

Here, the 'big glass panel' is actually only one floor high, and heavily tinted. There are restaurant seats lining the area so you may not have the space to spot at this window. Do note that at night you can see nothing from these windows.

Note: Parts of this location may be closed due to upgrading works.

Terminal 2

There are big glass panels spanning the height of the terminal here. The planes come rather close here, especially if you are lucky to catch a 747 turning into gate F31. F31 is the first gate to be A380-ready, and you can see the three jetways from here. 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.

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. Best for morning shots.

Other Spotting Locations

Changi Beach Park

This is the best place to spot aircraft arriving on runway 20R and 20C. Most of the time aircraft bound for Terminal 3 or cargo aircraft use 20R, aircraft bound for Terminal 2 use 20C and aircraft heading for Terminal 1 can use either runway except during runway maintenence which would usually last 20-30 mins and arrival traffic would temporarily be diverted to the other runway. Runway maintenence 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.

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.

In the afternoon/evening: For 20R arrivals go to carpark 3. 20C arrivals are best shot from the beach after carpark 6.

Carpark 4 is best for head-on shots.

You will need a focal length of around 50mm to 150mm depending on where you stand and the size of the aircraft.

Public bus services are available to carparks 2 to 5. You will need a car to get to carpark 6 or 7.

Runway 20R/20C is usually used between March-October after which landings are changed to 02L/02C due to seasonal wind changes. Also note that listening to VHF radios is strictly forbidden and hefty fines are given to those caught listening or using it.

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

Airliners.net sample photo: medium large

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. This area is an industrial park so a car is necessary as the nearest bus stop is roughly about 1.5km away from the area best to spot arriving aircraft. Due to this area being industrial, it tends to be filled with heavy vehicles driving around the area during the weekdays so it is advisable to spot at this area only during the weekends as you can easily park your car anywhere without blocking or disrupting anyone. 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.

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. Note that photography of airport buildings is illegal and action can be taken especially if you are using a dSLR. 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. Unless you are familiar with the area or are with someone who is, do not stay here for too long. You are also advised to comply fully with any police instructions if you encounter police as they can, and will, take action against those who fail to do so.

Airliners.net sample photo: medium large

Regular Traffic

Terminal 1

Air China (Beijing via Xiamen 737-800 daily; Beijing 767-300ER daily)
Air France (Paris CDG 777-300ER daily)
Air India / Indian Airlines (A319, A320, A321 daily)
Air India Express (737-800)
Air Mauritius (A330-200)
Air Zimbabwe (767-200ER)
AirAsia (A320)
Asiana Airlines (Seoul Incheon A330-300 daily)*
Bangkok Airways (Koh Samui via Bangkok A319 daily)*
Best Air (Dhaka via Kuala Lumpur MD-80 Mon, Fri)
Biman Bangladesh Airlines (737-800, DC-10, A310)
British Airways (London Heathrow 747-400 daily)
Cathay Pacific Airways (Hong Kong A330-300, 777-200/300 daily; Hong Kong via Bangkok 777 daily, Occasional 747-400, 777-300ER and A340-300)
China Airlines (Taipei A330-300 daily; Kaohsiung 737-800)
China Southern Airlines (Guangzhou & Shenyang A321 daily)
Emirates (777-300ER)
EVA Air (Taipei A330-300, 777-300ER)
Garuda Indonesia (A330-200, A330-300, 737-300/400/800)
Indonesia AirAsia (A320, 737-300 daily)
Japan Airlines (767-300, 777-200)
JetStar (A320)
JetStar Airways International (Cairns, Darwin, Melbourne & Perth A320/A321 daily)
KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (Amsterdam 777-200)
Korean Air (Seoul Incheon 777-300 daily)*
Lion Airlines (Jakarta Bali, Ho Chi Minh 737-900ER daily)
Northwest Airlines (Tokyo Narita A330-200 daily, sometimes operated in Delta-livery aircraft)*
Qantas Airways (A330-300, A380, 747-400)
Saudi Arabian Airlines (777-200)
SriLankan Airlines (A330-200, A340-300)
Thai AirAsia (A320, 737-300)
Thai Airways International (Bangkok A330-300, A300-600, A340-500/600, 777-200 daily)
Turkish Airlines (A330-200, A340-300)
Valuair (A320)
Vietnam Airlines (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh A321 daily, occasionally A330, A320)
Xiamen Airlines (Xiamen, Tianjin, Hangzhou, Fuzhou B737-700/800 daily)

Terminal 2

All Nippon Airways - ANA (Tokyo Narita 767-300ER daily)
Batavia Air (A319, A320)

Etihad (A330-200)
Lufthansa German Airlines (Munich A340-600, Frankfurt, Jakarta 747-400 daily)
Malaysia Airlines (A330, 737-400)
Philippine Airlines (Manila A320 daily)
Royal Brunei (Bandar Seri Bengawan A320)
Shenzhen Airlines (Nanning 737-800 Wed, Sat)
SilkAir (A319, A320)
Singapore Airlines (A330-300, 777-200/200ER/300/300ER)
Sriwijaya Air (Jakarta 737-400 daily)

Terminal 3

Kingfisher Airlines (A330-200)
Jet Airways (A330-200, New Delhi B737-800 daily)
China Eastern Airlines (Shanghai A300-600R, A330-300 daily, occasional A340-300)
Qatar Airways (Doha 777-300ER daily)
Singapore Airlines (A330-300, A340-500, A380, 747-400, 777-200/200ER/300/300ER)
United Airlines (Chicago & Hong Kong 747-400 daily, Washington DC & Tokyo Narita 777-200 daily)

Budget Terminal

Cebu Pacific (A320)
Firefly (ATR72)
Tiger Airways (A319, A320)

Cargo Airlines

Air Hong Kong (A300F)
Asiana Cargo (747F)
Cargolux (747F)
Cathay Pacific Cargo (747F)
Lufthansa Cargo (MD-11F)
FedEx Express (A300F, MD-11F)
Jett8 Airlines Cargo (747-200F)
Nippon Cargo Airlines (747F)
Singapore Airlines Cargo (747-400F)
Shanghai Airlines Cargo (757F)

United Parcel Service (757F, Tri MG 727-100)
Tri-MG Intra Asia Airlines (727) Twice a week

Actual arrival and departure times of cargo airlines often vary from the scheduled departure time. You can check the airport website for updated flight information.

Airlines with night flight operations only marked with (*)

Facilities and Transportation

To Changi Airport

There are a few ways to get to Changi Airport 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 eastbound green line (East-West Line) train to Tanah Merah Station (EW4). This takes about 20 mimutes. From there, transfer to the airport-bound train, which takes you to the airport in 8 minutes. The MRT station is located between Terminal 2 and 3, and you can exit to either terminal. Directional signs 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 where you are heading. Bus services available are SBS Transit 24, 27, 34, 36, 53 and SMRT 858.
Taxi Metered taxis can be flagged down along the streets and at airport taxi stands. However, in the business district, you can only board or alight at taxi stands. 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). Fare information can be found in every taxi.

To Outdoor Locations

To get to Changi Beach Park, bus services 9, 19, and 89 are available. From the airport, you may follow this route:

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

Do note that the bus will make a loop at the Cargo Complex and it is not allowed for people without a pass to enter, so get off the bus by Carpark 5

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 complementary shuttle services to the city center.

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. However, if there is lightning and thunder, take shelter and do not go outdoors until the storm is over.

Changi Beach Area

Changi Beach and Changi Village are pretty unsafe at night as it will turn into a "red-light" district by the wee hours of the night, so it is not advisable 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 for weekdays) but it is also not advisable to camp at the beach if you are unfamiliar with the area.

Budget Terminal

Another thing to note is that taking photographs while boarding aircraft at the budget terminal (for Tiger Airways and Cebu Pacific flights only) is strictly forbidden and police officers are always on the lookout for anyone taking photographs especially since one is so close to the aircraft.