Going to the airport for a date, to study for exams, or to pose for wedding photos might seem unusual to many, but not to Singaporeans. Changi Airport, the seventh busiest in the world (with over 65 million passengers in 2018), has long served as a local hub for the city's residents. And now, with the opening of its Jewel facility, a retail and experience centre connecting three of the four terminals, airport authorities hope the interest will continue to grow.
The 1,35,000 square metre building (formerly a car park), was designed by renowned Israeli architect Moshe Safdie. Constructed over four years, it will feature the world's largest indoor waterfall (with sound and light shows every evening); flagship stores for brands like Nike, Starbucks and Tiger beer; and the first Pokémon Centre outside of Japan. Travellers are not forgotten: 26 airlines will offer early check-in options up to 24 hours before flights at Jewel, and there is also a pay-per-use Changi lounge. The facility, which is currently open for previews to the public, will open its doors on April 17.
Sindhuri Nandhakumar