S'pore may delay aChangi expansion

S'pore may delay aChangi expansion

Singapore may delay plans to expand its famed Changi international airport due to the global downturn in the travel industry, a minister said in remarks published Monday in the Straits Times.

Transport Minister Yeo Cheow Tong said a decision on whether to go ahead with the construction of a third terminal for Changi costing S$1.5 billion (US$819 million) would be made in the coming months.

"In view of the downturn, we are looking to see if we should delay the building of Terminal 3 for a short while," Yeo told local media Sunday.

"We want to be sure that we don't complete Terminal 3 and have it half empty," he said.

Officials from the transport ministry were unable to give further details. The new terminal was originally slated to be ready in early 2006.

According to the blueprint, the new terminal would be among the first in the world capable of handling the new superjumbo jet, A380, being built by European aircraft manufacturer Airbus.

The four-storey terminal is designed to handle 20 million passengers a year and will increase the annual passenger capacity of Singapore's national airport to 64 million.

Changi has consistently been voted as one of the world's best airports in the travel industry press due to its efficient operations and varied attractions, including shopping, business and leisure facilities. -- AFP