Autonomous wheelchairs available at Changi Airport for transfer passengers with walking difficulties
Up to 18 wheelchairs will be rolled out to Terminals 2 and 3.
Travellers in need of mobility assistance to transfer flights at Singapore Changi Airport can now utilise autonomous wheelchairs that require no manual operation. These wheelchairs, deployed in Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, are an option for those on airlines like Singapore Airlines and Air India, using SATS baggage handling services. The demand for such services has risen by approximately 20% from 2023 to 2025, according to Changi Airport Group (CAG).
Initially, up to 18 autonomous wheelchairs will be available, with plans to expand across the transit areas for passengers with transfer flights taking over an hour. Around 80% of mobility assistance requests out of 2,300 daily requests are from transfer passengers. Passengers requiring these wheelchairs must book their tickets in advance, specifying their needs.
The autonomous wheelchairs are equipped with safety features, allowing movement only when a seatbelt is fastened. Passengers can also stop them using an emergency button and call for help if necessary. The devices follow pre-set routes to any gate in the terminals and avoid obstacles or pedestrians with built-in sensors. They move at a comfortable pace, enabling passengers and their companions to move together. Each ride is monitored by a SATS ground handling supervisor.
The trial of these wheelchairs, conducted from March 2025 to June 2026, saw over 13,000 participants. With future growth expected due to the eventual completion of Terminal 5 and the wider Changi East development, the airport aims to continue enhancing services for passengers with mobility needs.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
