Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Fortifying Changi Airport Against Extreme Rainfall Due to Climate Change

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for Transport 

a.     what is being done to fortify Changi Airport against extreme rainfall scenarios amidst climate change, including incidents of prolonged torrential rain; and

b.    what lessons can be drawn from similar incidents at overseas air hubs where flight connectivities have been disrupted.

Reply by Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat:

1.     The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and Changi Airport Group makes preparations based on national planning scenarios and requirements for flood protection, as well as international best practices in the design, construction and upgrading of Changi Airport’s infrastructure to ensure its resilience against climate change.

2.      Various flood protection measures have been implemented at Changi Airport to manage increasing rainfall intensity. Examples include the widening of existing drains and building of new drainage outlets, the expansion and building of new rainwater detention tanks, and the introduction of local flood barriers as added protection for operations-critical airport facilities. Water level monitoring sensors have also been installed across the airport’s drainage network to provide real-time situational awareness and allow early intervention if needed to avert flooding and maintain the continuity of operations.

3.     For the ongoing Changi East development, an extensive network of drains has been constructed. Terminal 5 and the airfield will also be built 5.5m above the mean sea level to protect against flooding due to more intense rainfall and rising sea levels.