Changi Airport unveils new satellite gate for flights using remote stands

Singapore’s Changi Airport has revealed a new satellite gate to handle the minority of flights that are unable to use the usual contact gates with an aerobridge. It is expected to be operational by August 2026.

Located in the airfield, the 200sqm satellite gate provides a covered, air conditioned structure where passengers can board or deplane any aircraft – narrowbody or widebody – with two aerobridges. A 60 meter sloping ramp from the ground to the aerobridges improves accessibility for wheelchair users and makes it user-friendly for minors, seniors, families with strollers and those traveling with wheeled carry-on luggage. Passengers will be bussed between the satellite gate and the main passenger terminal building.

Other features at the satellite gate are rooftop solar panels to provide electricity stored in an off-grid battery system nearby. The air-conditioning is automatically activated based on real-time flight information to ensure the facility is ready to serve passengers while optimizing energy consumption. Any electrical faults can be detected and wirelessly transmitted to maintenance teams at the main terminal, enabling quicker response and fixes.

Image Credit: Changi Airport Group (CAG)

According to airport operator Changi Airport Group (CAG), a majority 98% of passenger flights at the airport use contact gates with aerobridges at the terminal. The remaining flights usually get remote stands that require passengers to be bussed to/from the terminal.

Training sessions and dry runs have been conducted for more than 500 airport staff to learn about the satellite gate operations. It will be used for select passenger flights over the coming weeks.