SIN-Spot1
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June 3, 2014Singapore Changi Airport – Spotting Guide
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: January 2024 / Spot 10 added
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) |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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. |
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 |
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 |
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 | 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 |
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 |
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 |
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. |
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 |
I’m planningto visit No.10 spot.
Is it safe to do spotting? I’m so worried about warning message on the top of the article. Also, it is okay to do spotting anywhere in T2?
There is only one seat at T2 viewing gallery where you can shoot pictures of aircraft moving past Terminal 2. The place is not good for plane photography.
New Spotting Location for 02L arrivals
Bus Stop “Aft Changi Biz Pk Cres”
Can you send some photos to support@spotterguide.net please.
Thanks, Julian
Where is it?
1.359317, 103.977975
I go here. No photos allowed. Authorities with cars pass by however if you sit and do not go near the fence you are fine. 02L. Amazing place for touchdown viewing and in the other direction for takeoofs, even better
New location for 02L arrivals
Carpark 4B
Taking photos at Carpark 4B is in violation with the Protected Places Act. THOSE IN VIOLATION ARE SUBJECTED TO:
– Request for identification
– Direct persons to leave
– Inspect belongings and vehicles for dangerous items
-Arrest of suspected individuals
What are protected areas (PA) / protected places (PP)?
PA/PP are places where special measures are needed to control the movement and conduct of persons for public safety and security reasons. PA/PP are declared by the Minister for Home Affairs, upon the successful application by the owner.
Mr Chen Hui, please report to APD now.
Why doesn’t Changi Airport construct a sky deck building just like Kansai Airport’s Sky Deck to attract aircraft-spotters and tourists? I find it unfair for suppressing aircraft-spotters with the Protected Places Act.
Most likely due to limited space and costs of maintenance, plus the security risks involved. Unlike Kansai or even Taoyuan, Singapore is either overly hot, or stormy. Weather considerations have to be taken into account if an open deck is to be made. As a spotter from SG, yes the Protected Areas act could be an inconvenience, but it’s one I support as a citizen who served his National Service.
Of course, Kansai Sky Deck and other open aviation decks in Japan are closed during wet weather, snowy weather and they are not open 24 hours. Singapore’s Sky Deck can open until 9 pm, for example. In the Sky Deck, you can also open a civil aviation museum below the sky deck exhibiting the history of Singapore’s airports, flight operators and even open an aviation cafe and aviation hobby shop there selling aviation-theme merchandise and distributing free inflight magazines. It will be better than going to Changi Terminal 1 aviation gallery and shoot horrible pictures of aircraft taking off from the sides of Terminals 2, 4 and 5.
Any recommendations for the current runway layout? best spotting places?
Dude None of these locations are NEW. Read the article above before jumping the gun. Just because YOU don’t know about it doesn’t make it new to the world….
New location for 02C arrivals
The beach immediately outside NSRCC
Where is that? Changi Beach?
Do not follow this guys advice. NSRCC beach isn’t a new spot, has been known to many local spotters for years. The issue with this location is mainly 1) Distance: planes are generally higher here, so you’ll need to stand further out for side on shots. 2) places to stand are limited due to the beach layout. You could only stand on the breakwaters, which might limit your view due to trees. 3) onlu usable in early mornings before the heat comes in, making heat haze an issue.
Runway 20C/02C reopened for operations on 1st December 2024 0400H local. Runway 20L/02R is now closed for works. Latest update
Thanks for the hint
-Julian
2023 or 2024?
Centre runway is now open!
lets go!!!!
Hey everyone,
Just an update from the grounds. First off I want to address the issue of Changi not being spotter friendly and stuff, and about the signs that are up around the fence lines. These have been there for many years and have been updated recently over the last year or so by the local authorities. These signs were put in place via the Protected Areas and Protected Places act, in which the law states such places are regarded as key installations and unauthorized photography or videography is not allowed. This act was introduced since the 1980s if I’m not wrong and updated over the years with the latest being 2017/2018. The signs mentioned by many that are along the fence lines have been updated over the years as well in line with the law. This has been a thing since the start. Furthermore, the overpass mentioned above was never a legal spot to be at to begin with due to the close proximity to the airport operations and fence lines, which in view is a security issue when you go there. I agree we have lost some spots along the way due to the increase in security, but there’s a bright side that comes with it. Soon, along runway 1 we will have a 2 story restaurant built that gives us unprecedented views of the operations there and it’s a first step the government has taken to make it a little spotter friendly.
Secondly, an update from the airport suggests that runway 2 May soon be operational, with works for it completed recently. So that’s a plus for everyone again I hope.
for now that’s the update I have.
What “2 story restaurant” along Runway 1 that allows spotters to shoot pictures of aircraft flying? What is the name of the restaurant? Where is it located?
Works are still yet to start on this project. But the approval has gone through since then.
Ok. So must pay for food in the restaurant before able to spot aircraft. Why doesn’t Changi Airport build an aircraft-spotting building just like Kansai Airport’s Sky Deck?
Hi, I just wanted to correct – the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal is good for Afternoon, not morning, for the Departures from SIN/WSSS.
Hi, originally the spot is for 20C departures in the morning. But due to its closure it is now for 20L, as you stated. I fixed the guide.
-Julian
Wow looks like a comprehensive list! My name is Hannah and I’m a reporter with The Straits Times. I’m looking for families to speak to regarding plane spotting in Singapore for a story I am currently pursuing. Please reach out if you’re interested! I can be contacted via email ( hjade@sph.com.sg ) or mobile 8683 2925 🙂 Thank you!