Changi Airport in Singapore has announced a series of fee increases for both passengers and airlines, set to take effect over the next six years. This decision is part of a broader strategy to fund significant infrastructure investments totaling S$3 billion, aimed at enhancing the airport’s facilities and services.
Starting from April 2027, the service and security fee for departing passengers will rise from the current S$46.40 to S$58.40 by April 2030. This increase will occur incrementally, with a S$3 hike each year for four years. Additionally, the fee for transfer and transit passengers, which has remained unchanged since 2015 at S$6, will see a substantial increase to S$18 by 2030. This will involve a S$3 annual increase for the first three years, followed by a S$1 increase for the next three years.
Moreover, a one-time increase in the aviation levy will also be implemented, raising it from S$8 to S$10 starting in April 2027. This levy is crucial for funding the operations of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) as it works to bolster Singapore’s position as a leading air hub.
Airlines will also face higher costs, with increased landing, parking, and aerobridge charges beginning in April 2025. For instance, the landing fee for a narrow-body Airbus A320 will rise by an average of S$110 per landing over the first three years, while a wide-body Airbus A350 will see an average increase of S$290. To ease the transition, airlines will receive a 50% rebate on these increases for the first six months.
Changi Airport’s CEO, Yam Kum Weng, emphasized that while passenger traffic has rebounded post-pandemic, the airport is grappling with rising operational costs, particularly in labor and energy. The adjustments in fees are designed to ensure that Changi remains competitive in the global aviation market.
In response to concerns about the potential impact of these fee increases on Singapore’s competitiveness as an air hub, CAAS director-general Han Kok Juan reassured stakeholders that Singapore is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for air travel in the Asia-Pacific region. He noted that the fee hikes have been carefully calibrated to minimize their impact while still allowing for necessary investments in infrastructure.
Overall, the planned increases reflect a strategic approach to maintaining and enhancing the quality of services at Changi Airport, ensuring it continues to be a preferred choice for travelers and airlines alike.