RSAF moving to new runway as part of Paya Lebar Air Base relocation plans
Then-Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen said in 2015 that Changi Air Base East would have to be expanded to replace Paya Lebar Air Base.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft taking off from Changi Air Base (East) on Mar 12, 2026. (Photo: MINDEF)
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SINGAPORE: The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will be moving to a new runway as part of plans to relocate Paya Lebar Air Base from 2030 and beyond, the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) said on Saturday (Sep 26).
In response to CNA’s query, a ministry spokesperson said the RSAF will be shifting its operations from its current runway, known as 02R/20L, to a new runway 03/21, at Changi Air Base East.
Then-Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen had said in 2015 that Changi Air Base East and Tengah Air Base would have to be expanded to accommodate various assets and facilities to replace Paya Lebar Air Base.
He said then that the focus was on expanding the Changi Air Base East and building a new runway, adding that it was a complex undertaking that required highly skilled engineering and close coordination with the ongoing runway and terminal expansion works at Changi Airport.
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Information on the new runway was published by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore in an Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) supplement on Jul 23, a document containing information essential to air navigation within the Singapore Flight Information Region.
According to the document, the new runway would be operational from Sep 17, 2026 and would not be available for civilian use.
Current Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing said in September 2025 that the planned relocation of Paya Lebar Air Base remained on track for 2030 and beyond.
In his parliamentary reply, he reiterated that the relocation of an air base was complex and that it would be done progressively as essential aircraft support infrastructure becomes ready.
He had been asked whether there were plans to progressively reduce the frequency of flights from Paya Lebar Air Base leading up to its decommissioning in 2030.
The frequency of flights from Paya Lebar Air Base will be reduced progressively during the relocation phase, Mr Chan said.
Paya Lebar Air Base’s relocation was first announced during the National Day Rally 2013 by then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.
He said the move would free up an area of about 800ha – bigger than Bishan or Ang Mo Kio – which could be used to build new homes, offices, factories, parks, living environments and communities.
Source: CNA/ng(mi)
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