Effect of Increased Temperatures from Climate Change on Changi Airport Operations
Ministry of TransportSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Dr Tan Wu Meng’s inquiry into the impact of rising temperatures on Changi Airport’s infrastructure and outdoor staff. Minister for Transport S Iswaran stated that runways incorporate polymer additives to prevent heat-induced defects, mirroring measures used in Middle Eastern airports. Within terminals, climate-controlled environments and ventilation systems with cooling buffers protect sensitive equipment and ensure operational reliability. For outdoor personnel, Minister for Transport S Iswaran highlighted heat stress mitigation through cool zones, fluid distribution, and medical training for heat stroke symptoms. These strategies collectively ensure that Changi Airport remains resilient against climate change risks that have disrupted airports elsewhere.
Transcript
8 Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for Transport whether studies on potential impact of increased temperatures arising from climate change and its effect on Changi Airport operations like the terminals, tarmac and staff working outdoors have been conducted, considering the reported disruption at London's Luton Airport in July 2022.
Mr S Iswaran: The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and Changi Airport Group (CAG) have studied and taken mitigating measures against the potential risks to critical airport infrastructure and operations due to increased temperatures arising from climate change.
To ensure that the runways and taxiways can continue to function under higher temperatures, polymer additives have been introduced into Changi Airport’s asphaltic pavement designs. This is similar to the measures used in Middle Eastern airports where ambient temperatures can exceed 40 degrees Celsius. Doing so will avoid disruptions due to runway pavement defects, such as those seen recently at London's Luton Airport.
We do not expect higher temperatures to cause any disruptions to our passenger terminal buildings or the operations within. Temperature-sensitive equipment, such as baggage screening machines and electronic systems are located in a climate-controlled indoor environment to preserve their reliability. The air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems throughout Changi's terminal buildings are also designed with cooling capacity buffers to cater for higher ambient temperatures.
To protect outdoor airport workers from heat stress, there are shelters and cool zones at the airside and regular distribution of fluids during hot spells. CAG is also working with employers and workers to strengthen existing protocols and engaging medical service providers to train outdoor workers to look out for symptoms of heat stroke and render first aid to workers suffering from heat stress.