PAYA LEBAR AIRPORT (Role of, in 1980)

Mr Teo Chong Tee asked the Minister for National Development and Communications what plans the Government has for Paya Lebar Airport when the Changi International Airport is ready for use in mid-1980.

Mr Ong Teng Cheong (for the Minister for National Development and Communications): Mr Speaker, Sir, the first runway at Changi Airport together with its supporting facilities such as the passenger terminal building, a control tower, landing and navigational aids are targetted for completion by mid-1980. However, the second runway at Changi would only be completed in mid-1982. During this two-year period from 1980-1982, Paya Lebar Airport could be used to cater for any over-flow of civil aircraft traffic which could not be handled at Changi with just one runway, A new direct express road will link Paya Lebar Airport to Changi Airport. This will provide a fast and efficient connection between the two airports in case of need. After the second runway at Changi is completed in 1982, Paya Lebar Airport will be used as a supplementary airport to Changi. Nonscheduled and chartered flights could also be handled at Paya Lebar.