Singapore: The big news at Singapore’s Changi Airport this week was not that debt-laden Jet Airways suspended flights to Singapore indefinitely; it is the upcoming grand opening of the latest development at the airport, “Jewel”.Jewel Changi Airport welcomed its first visitors on April 11 as it opened its doors to the public for a preview of its wide range of offerings. Over 500,000 people, which is 10% of residents in Singapore, registered for the preview to get a tour of the exciting new development ahead of April 17 when it will open to the general public and passengers.
The massive dome-shaped complex which covers some 135,700 square metres has a roof which is made up of 9,600 pieces of glass was built on the site of the old Terminal 1 carpark. Costing some S$1.7 billion (US $1.3bn), it is designed by world-renowned Israeli-Canadian architect, Moshe Safdie. Safdie also designed the iconic Marina Bay Sands triple tower structure, a fixture on Singapore’s cityscape which all visitors to Singapore make it a point to photograph.
