Progressively Reducing Frequency of Flights from Paya Lebar Airbase Leading Up to Its Decommissioning in 2030
Ministry of DefenceSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Alex Yeo's inquiry about reducing flight frequency at Paya Lebar Airbase before its 2030 decommissioning and mitigating aircraft noise for Potong Pasir and Bidadari residents. Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence Chan Chun Sing outlined noise abatement measures, such as conducting 50% of training overseas and shifting local requirements to simulators. He added that less than 1% of flights occur between 10.00 pm and 8.00 am, and flight paths are adjusted during school examinations to reduce the impact on families. The Minister affirmed that the airbase relocation remains on track for 2030 or beyond, proceeding progressively as essential infrastructure is ready at other respective air bases. Consequently, the frequency of flights from Paya Lebar Airbase will be reduced progressively during this relocation phase to further alleviate the impact on surrounding residential communities.
Transcript
12 Mr Alex Yeo asked the Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence (a) whether there are plans to progressively reduce the frequency of flights from Paya Lebar Airbase leading up to its decommissioning in 2030; and (b) whether the Ministry plans to implement any specific measures to mitigate the impact of aircraft noise on young families residing in the Potong Pasir/Bidadari areas during the early mornings and late evenings.
Mr Chan Chun Sing: Local flying training is critical to keep Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) pilots proficient and to maintain the RSAF’s operational readiness to safeguard Singapore skies. To reduce the impact to residents living in the vicinity of our air bases, the RSAF has adopted several noise abatement measures, which include: conducting about 50% of RSAF flying training overseas, shifting some of the local flying requirements to simulators, planning for local flying routes away from residential areas where possible, and adjusting flying training tempo and hours during school examinations period. Less than 1% of the RSAF’s flights, helicopters and planes take place from 10.00 pm to 8.00 am over Singapore, unless for operational reasons.
The planned relocation of Paya Lebar Airbase (PLAB) remains on track for 2030 or beyond. The relocation of an airbase is a complex endeavour, and will be done progressively as essential aircraft support infrastructure become ready at their respective air bases. Concomitantly, the frequency of flights from PLAB will also be reduced progressively during the relocation phase.