History
Aviation history was made on 16 March 1911 in Singapore, when the first aircraft, a Bristol Boxkite biplane piloted by Joseph Christiaens, took flight.
From 1928, small land aircraft and seaplanes were handled at the military airbase of the Royal Air Force at Seletar. Growth in air traffic in the early 1930s, however, prompted the call for a new civilian airport facility. Kallang Airport was officially opened on 12 June 1937.
Advances in aviation technology after the Second World War led to the development of bigger and faster civil aircraft. Paya Lebar Airport was built on 20 August 1955 to serve as the new civilian airport.
After independence, Singapore's growing role as an international trading hub and tourism destination led to the construction of Changi International Airport, which began operations on 1 July 1981. Changi Airport later expanded to 4 terminals, with a fifth under construction and due to open in 2030.
Explore Singapore's Aviation History
Bristol Boxkite biplane
Kallang Airport
Plane crossing Southcross Bridge
Paya Lebar Airbase
Terminal 5 design
Things to do
Hip cafes and eclectic mix of restaurants and eateries featuring cuisines from all around the world | Explore Global Flavours
The Banana Leaf Apolo
Old Hen Coffee Bar
Indian Express
Eat Local at hawker centres with affordable and amazing variety | Explore Local Delights
Tekka Food Centre
- 665 Buffalo Road, Singapore 210665
- Butter chicken, biryani, goose and duck rice
Berseh Food Centre
- Kway chap, char kway teow, fish soup, oyster cake
- 166 Jln Besar, Singapore 208877
Visit a local shopping mall
City Square Mall
- 180 Kitchener Rd, Singapore 208539
Mustafa Centre
- 145 Syed Alwi Rd, Singapore 207704
Admire the architectural mix of old shophouses, historic sites and new buildings
Admire the different types of religious sites reflecting the multiracial and multicultural society
Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
Masjid Angullia
Shree Lakshminarayan Temple
Soak in the Sights and Night Lights of Deepavali along Serangoon Road | Experience Deepavali Lights
- Deepavali, also known as Diwali, celebrates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Hindu families illuminate their homes, exchange gifts, and offer prayers to deities.
- The annual Deepavali Street Light Up at Little India runs down Serangoon Road, providing a festive atmosphere to the historic precinct. Each year, the Indian Heritage Centre also holds a Deepavali Open House where you can experience traditional food, fashion, and activities that showcase Indian culture.
