Why is Singapore’s airport closed?

Singaporean authorities are restricting access to Changi Airport, in response to a growing COVID-19 cluster that is linked to the air travel hub.

The first identified case in the cluster, an 88-year-old airport cleaner, was detected on May 5.

The cluster has since grown to 25 cases, which includes seven new infections that were recorded on Wednesday.

In response to the rising case numbers, all Changi Airport passenger terminal buildings and Jewel Changi Airport will be closed to the public for two weeks.

Jewel is a nature themed entertainment complex that features restaurants, shops and even a 40-metre indoor waterfall.


The two-week closure is to allow for the “cleaning and disinfection of the premises and facilities”, and for all workers to be tested.

The airport will remain open for air travel, however access to the terminals will be restricted to passengers with air tickets and essential airport workers.

Other members of the public are not permitted to enter the terminals, but will be allowed to drop off or pick up passengers.
The majority of the cases in this cluster are breakthrough infections, meaning the patient contracted the virus despite being fully vaccinated.

Hannah Clapham is an Assistant Professor at NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health in Singapore.

“So when we look at the numbers, when we see a lot of infections in vaccinated people, we have to remember that a lot of people have been vaccinated because we were worried about their risk of transmission,” the epidemiologist told Ticker.

She says it is “really reassuring” that “we have seen much milder cases in vaccinated individuals”.