{
  "id": 9649655,
  "title": "The high cost of waiting for airport capacity",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/the-high-cost-of-waiting-for-airport-capacity",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-24T23:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Business Times - Companies & Markets",
    "slug": "the-business-times-companies-markets",
    "url": "https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/singapore/bt50/high-cost-waiting-airport-capacity"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The long-term infrastructure planning for Singapore Changi Airport began in 2013, with Terminal 5 and the Changi East development. Construction of Terminal 5 started in 2025, with the project paused during the Covid-19 pandemic for reassessment and redesign. The terminal is set to be ready in the mid-2030s, highlighting the reality that airport infrastructure projects can take decades from planning to completion. Changi East involves a terminal, a three-runway system, expanded cargo facilities, tunnels, and supporting infrastructure. Long-term infrastructure planning must adapt to changing circumstances, including capacity, climate risks, and rapidly evolving technology. Air travel is expected to grow, with annual passenger growth of 3.6% in the Asia-Pacific and 4% in the Middle East by 2054. This growth requires airports to be ready before demand arrives, with an estimated US$240 billion in planned airport investment through 2035. Funding for these projects should reflect their economic value, with governments, airports, and users sharing costs. Airports contribute significantly to jobs and GDP in Southeast Asia, with Singapore's aviation sector supporting 597,000 jobs and US$47.8 billion in GDP in 2025. Climate resilience is crucial for long-term airport planning, and airports must commit to net-zero emissions.",
  "summary": "Long-term infrastructure planning must leave room for adaptation as circumstances change",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Business Times - Singapore",
        "title": "The high cost of waiting for airport capacity",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/the-high-cost-of-waiting-for-airport-capacity-9649768",
        "published": "2026-09-24T23:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}