Singapore Changi Airport handled 62 Million Passengers in 2017 and is one of Asias biggest airports. Changi Airport is a hub for Jetstar Asia Airlines, Scoot, SilkAir and Singapore Airlines. The airport is expanding very fast and a new terminal 5 and two runways are beeing build on the former military part.

The Airport is served by airlines from the most parts of the world except South America. The main targets are in Asia and Europe. The airport is also served by all major cargo airlines to desitinations all around the globe. The airlines handles a couple of different Airbus A380 a day including Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Lufthansa.

Written by Patrick Weis, Marcus, Ho Zong Xi, Thomas Okaty, Stephan Weidenhiller, Lum Wei Tuck. Last change: October 2024 / Spot 10 updated

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
02L/20R	4.000 m (13.123ft)
02C/20C	4.000 m (13.123ft)
02R/20L	4.000 m (13.123ft)
Terminals
Terminal 1 (north)	SkyTeam and Oneworld, partly Star Alliance,
Terminal 2 (east)	Singapore Airl., Silk Air, Scoot and mainly Star Allaince
Terminal 3 (west)	Singapore Airlines, Carriers from Asia and Oceania
Terminal 4 (south)	Cathay, Cebu Pacific, Vietnam, Vietjet and some more asian carriers
Spotting Information
Ladder	Not necessary as it’s not allowed to stand at the fence
Car/Public Transport	Most of the spots can be reached by train and/or bus. A good alternative is taking a taxi or a “Grab” (similar as Uber or Lyft in the USA) as this will get you right to your desired spotting location hassle-free. Both are affordable, but Grab is usually slightly cheaper, just download the App on your smartphone (Apple or Android). The app is free of charge and is pretty much self-explanatory and you don’t necessarily need to communicate with the driver, however, most taxi and Grab drivers sufficiently speak and understand English.
Restrooms	There is a public toilets at the Beach and in the Terminal
Drinks/Food	Take drinks and snacks with you at the moring spot. At the terminal and at the afthernoon beach spot there is a restaurant
Hotels	The are a few Hotels arround the Airport but they are very expensive.
Season	The best month to travel are February to September. You can go here the whole year round but it rains more from Oktober – January
Security	Changi Airport is no longer a spotter friendly airport. Spots disappeared and no photo signs everywhere around the airport area. Even if you just stand on the overpass which can see the runway, police will come and ask you to leave. – No photography from the fenceline, signs have been in place (don’t photograph from outside into the airfield) – No photography of restricted area including but not limited to apron/ramp, taxiway and runway areas from outside of the airfield and the landside (applies to all airports and restricted areas/protected places on the state land of Singapore) – Comply with all safety notices put up by the airport or Airport Police Division. – When approaches by figures of authority (police officers/ airport police/ auxilary police officers), do not attempt to run away. Show full cooperation and do not defy their orders as that could mean serious trouble. If asked to delete photos, please do so without hesitation.
Runway Usage
General Info	02 ist the prefered runway direction
02L/20R	Mainly in use for landings
02C/20C	Mainly in use for departures
02R/20L	Closed for maintenance

Changi Beach - 20R arrivals (morning)

WHERE	This spot is located at a bus stop between the ferry terminal and the Changi Beach on the morning side of the Airport. Bus stops, ferry terminal and parking are directly at this location.
WHAT	You will get most of the traffic on arival into Singapore
TIME	Best light conditions in the winter are from sunrise till 11:00
MISC.	There is a rubbish bin and a bench at the spot. Restaurant/Supermarket/toilet at spot #2.
FOCAL LENGTH	100-400mm

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Changi Beach Park - 20R arrivals (afternoon)

WHERE	This spot is located at the Changi Beach near the restaurant at the beach. Depends where you spot the angle is different. Bus stops, ferry terminal and parking are directly at this location.
WHAT	This spot is good for Aircrafts arriving into Runway 20R
TIME	Best light conditions are from 14:00 to sunset
MISC.	There is a restaurant, a supermarket, public toilets and benches. Along the pedestrian/bike path there are a few places to sit that have a roof to protect you from sun or rain. From there you can still take pictures.
FOCAL LENGTH	100-400 mm

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Changi Buisness Park - 02L arrivals (afternoon)

WHERE	This spot is located in the Changi Buisness Park Central Road. From MTR “Tanah Merah” take bus 47 or from MTR “Expo” take bus 47 or 118 to Changi Business Park Bus Terminal. From there it is just a short walk to find your preferred location. There are several places to be in the shade. In case of a rain shower find a shelter at the bus terminal. You can also walk up the Changi South Ave 1 until you’re at the Changi Buisness Park Central Road. Turn right and choose you’re position for spotting the planes. UPDATE JAN 2023: construction works and fences are added between spot 3 and landing approach way. It’s very limited view now. (But still this is maybe the most usable spot now)
WHAT	From this spot you can take all plane movements arriving on 02L
TIME	Best light conditions are from 14:00 till sunset
MISC.	Beware of the traffic here! No facilities and food stores at the spot. Take everything with you. At MTR “Expo” a shopping mall with a supermarket and food court is open all day. Several small local restaurants offering good and cheap food. A McDonald’s can be found there as well.
FOCAL LENGTH	100-400mm

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Terminal 1 Viewing Mall - ramp/taxiway action

WHERE	This spot is located landside at terminal 1. Once you have arrived at the terminal, go to the center of the terminal and take the escalator (right behind the information desk) up to level 3. Then keep to the left and follow the signs to the Viewing Mall.
WHAT	From this spot you can take planes taxiing to and from the runways or from and to Terminal 1. The best view is through the emergency exit windows as these are not tinted. A lot of heat haze here! Limited angle to some parking spots and a short part of taxi way.
TIME	Best light conditions are from 11:00 till sunset depends which acitivities.
MISC.	Everything you need is in the terminal. Mind that in/near the viewing mall is also a kids playground so be prepared for kids noise.
FOCAL LENGTH	15-400mm

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Crown Plaza Changi Airport Hotel - 02L/20R movements, taxiway

WHERE	The hotel is located next to Terminal 3. Follow the signs inside the building to the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Ask for a runway view room on a high floor. You can also book it directly on the hotel website. Or take a cheaper room and walk to the open bridges on the 9th floor to take your pictures (see pic below). Rooms are from 400 USD. Before reservation apply for IHG Rewards membership to get discount and late check out. Update August 2024: there are several reports that spotting from the deck is no longer tolerated and security will ask you to leave. Of course spotting from the rooms is still accepted.
WHAT	From this spot you can take all plane movements on Runway 02L/20R and everything taxying in front of you. Pictures can be taken from the room through tinted glass or from an outside bridge on each floor.
TIME	Best light conditions are from sunrise till 12:00 depends if runway or taxiing. Also night shots are possible.
MISC.	All you need is in the Terminal.
FOCAL LENGTH	100-400 mm

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Tanah Merah Country Club (Garden Course) - 02C arrivals/20 heavy departures

WHERE	The location is on a grassy area along Tanah Merah Road, next to the Tanah Merah Country Club (Garden Course). Be aware that Tanah Merah Country Club has two courses, one called Tampines Course and the other called Garden Course. There is no parking directly at the location so best is to take a cab to the country club. Parking is not possible there! By public transport take Bus 35 from Tanah Merah MRT station and alight at bus stop “Tanah Merah Ferry Ter (962169)”. From there, it is a 20 minute walk to this location on a sidewalk.
WHAT	This spot is only good for heavies climbing out as the narrow bodies and even the heavies with light loads would be quite high at this point. Walk further to the area where the road bends for afternoon 02C arrivals.
TIME	Best light conditions are from 14:00 to sunset.
MISC.	Absolutely nothing nearby. Just some trees spending shadow.
FOCAL LENGTH	Arrivals: 773 = 140mm; 738 = 210mm Departures: Scoot 789 = 210mm;  IL96 = 150mm

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Ferry Terminal - 20C/L departures (morning)

WHERE	This spot is at the carpark or on the footpath just outside the Ferry Terminal. Take Bus 35 from Tanah Merah MRT station and alight at bus stop “Tanah Merah Ferry Ter (962169). Parking is available at the terminal if you arrive by car.
WHAT	From there you can spot Runway 02C departures in the morning and might also be able to get some nice banking shots. As runway 20C is closed you can use this location for 20L departures.
TIME	For 20C from sunrise till noon. For 20L from afternoon till sunset.
MISC.	There are snacks/drinks and restrooms available inside the ferry terminal.
FOCAL LENGTH	A359 = 280mm; 77W = 240mm

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National Service Resort and Country Club - 02L arrivals (morning)

WHERE	This is an alternative to the previous spot which is a bit quieter as you are not on a busy road. There is a small strip of grass between trees and the fence to the “National Service Resort and Country Club”, which you should also use as destination for the taxi to go there. The gate guards of the golf club will also be happy to call you a taxi when you have finished your work. Travel time from/to airport or MRT Expo is about 10 minutes by taxi.
WHAT	All arrivals for Runway 02L during the morning hours
TIME	From sunrise till noon.
MISC.	No facilities at this spot.
FOCAL LENGTH	200-400mm

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Aviation Park Rd - 20C arrivals/02 departures (morning)

WHERE	This spot is located nearby a canal at the northern part of the airport, not far from Changi Ferry Terminal. Take Bus 35 from Tanah Merah MRT station and alight at bus stop “Bef Changi Ferry Road (95161)”. From the bus stop walk back the road to the location. It is a 5-minute walk. It is the same bus that brings you to spot 6,7,8 so don’t wonder. The closest public carpark is available at Changi Beach Carpark 7. From there, it is an estimated 10 minute walk to the location. Otherwise take a cab and jump out at the Changi Ferry Terminal.
WHAT	From here, you can spot Runway 02C departures or Runway 20C arrivals. You might also be able to get some banking shots here.
TIME	From sunrise till noon.
MISC.	Nothing available at this location. There are snacks/drinks and restrooms available inside the ferry terminal.
FOCAL LENGTH	A380 = 180mm; 748 = 140mm

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Terminal 2 - Taxiway, ramp, runway 02C/20C

WHERE	This spot is inside Changi Airport Terminal 2 AIRSIDE (need boarding pass and passport). To find the place, after immigration, turn right, look for a store name EUREKA or a big TV that’s screening shows/videos, next to it is the viewing area. It is a long stretch and has alot of seats. Shots are through green tinted glass, but the problem should be solved by post processing. Update Oct. 2024: Construction works occurring for the entire ramp area of the spot. Impossible to spot things now until the gate area is revamped
WHAT	02C/20C deparures and some taxiing movements. Expect heat haze from APUs of aircrafts parking.
TIME	Afternoon until sunset. Sometimes beware of heat haze.
MISC.	Food stalls, drink stalls, restrooms are all available in the area. No issue with photography here but don’t be surprised if people are curious and give stares.
FOCAL LENGTH	50mm – 200mm depending on a/c

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