Airports no longer just places to catch flights

Airports have evolved far beyond mere transit hubs. As passenger expectations shift, driven by heightened demands for convenience, unique experiences, and enhanced connectivity, leading airports are reimagining their land-side areas as strategic differentiators. Singapore's Changi Airport specifically its pioneering Jewel development exemplifies the tremendous value airports can unlock by creatively utilising land-side spaces.

- BY LINUS BAUER Special to Gulf News

Opened in April 2019, Jewel Changi Airport has redefined global standards for airport land-side development. This ambitious $1.25 billion initiative encapsulates Singapore's aspiration to position Changi as not just a travel gateway but a vibrant urban hub.

Occupying a 135,700 square-metre footprint, Jewel seamlessly integrates retail, dining, entertainment, hospitality, and nature housing approximately 280 retail and dining outlets alongside a 130-room YOTELAIR hotel.

At its heart stands the Rain Vortex, the world's tallest indoor waterfall at 40 meters, surrounded by the lush Shiseido Forest Valley, encompassing 2,000 trees and 100,000 shrubs from around the world.

In 2019 alone, Jewel drew approximately 50 million visitors a figure highlighting the profound appeal and strategic significance of thoughtfully planned airport land-side areas.

Such innovative use of land enhances passenger experience, increases dwell time, and boosts non-aeronautical revenue streams significantly. Prior to the pandemic, commercial revenue at Changi constituted approximately 50 per cent of total airport revenue a remarkable benchmark reflecting the strategic importance of land-side developments like Jewel.

Gulf-based airports, although spectacular in air-side infrastructure and airline connectivity, historically have lagged in leveraging land-side opportunities.