The Singapore Airshow will take place 3–8 February 2026 at the Changi Exhibition Centre. As Asia’s largest aerospace and defense exhibition, the event attracts extensive commercial, military, and government aviation activity, creating one of the most restrictive operating environments of the year for business aviation in Southeast Asia.

For operators, this is not a routine peak-traffic event. During the airshow period, access to Singapore is tightly controlled, operational flexibility is limited, and late itinerary changes are rarely accommodated. Early planning and strict adherence to published procedures are essential.

Singapore Airshow 2026 – Planning Snapshot

Below is a high-level operational snapshot for planning purposes.

• Event dates: 3–8 February 2026
• Trade days: 3–6 February
• Public days: 7–8 February
• Flying display practice begins: 29 January 2026
• Primary business aviation airport: WSSL only
• GA access to WSSS: Effectively unavailable
• Parking risk level: High
• ATFM and slot enforcement: Very high

Event Overview

Held biennially, the Singapore Airshow is one of the world’s premier aerospace exhibitions, attracting more than 50,000 trade attendees, major OEMs, and over 150 commercial and cargo airlines.

Venue: Changi Exhibition Centre
Address: 9 Aviation Park Road, Singapore 498760

Flying display rehearsals, validations, and show-day demonstrations begin well ahead of opening day and directly impact Singapore airspace availability.

Airspace Restrictions and ATFM

According to AIP Supplement 161/2025, airspace restrictions will be in effect from 29 January through 8 February 2026 due to flying display practice and airshow operations.

During published flying display periods, non-participating aircraft are not permitted to enter the Changi Control Zone. Landings and departures will be suspended on the following runways:

• RWY 02L/20R

• RWY 02C/20C

• CAB(E) RWY 02R/20L

Exceptions apply only to approved flying display aircraft or flights specifically authorized by FCC and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS).

Air Traffic Flow Management measures will be implemented before and after each closure window. When a Ground Delay Program is active, flights must comply with assigned CTOTs within a −5/+10 minute window. Ground stops and flow restrictions should be expected, and short-notice schedule adjustments are unlikely to be approved.

Operators should plan to avoid operating near daily closure windows and carry at least 20 minutes of additional holding fuel. Closure timings are subject to change.

Changi Airport (WSSS) – General Aviation Restrictions

From 29 January to 8 February 2026, non-airshow-related general aviation flights will be denied operations at Singapore Changi Airport (WSSS).

WSSS will only accommodate airshow-related flights conducting short turnarounds for pick-up or drop-off. Aircraft layovers are not permitted unless supported by compelling operational documentation and explicitly approved by CAAS.

WSSS should not be considered a viable parking airport for business aviation during the Singapore Airshow.

GCR Filing Requirements for WSSS Requests

Any flight requesting access to WSSS during the airshow period must include complete and well-supported information in the GCR SI message, including:

• Lead passenger

• Business entity

• Specific operational justification for operating to WSSS

Incomplete or unsupported GCR submissions are routinely denied.

Primary Business Aviation Airport – Seletar (WSSL)

Seletar Airport (WSSL) remains the default airport for all general and business aviation operations during the Singapore Airshow.

Operational considerations include limited operating hours, schedule facilitation, and constrained terminal capacity. Parking availability is limited but typically manageable with early coordination. Compact and hangar parking options are available, subject to demand.

CIQ processing delays should be expected, as the terminal accommodates one aircraft movement at a time. Noise abatement procedures are in effect between 1400 and 2300 UTC.

Although parking is often achievable with early planning, last-minute parking requests during airshow week are frequently denied.

Diplomatic Flights

Diplomatic flights must be filed in advance and include the approved MFA diplomatic permit number. Operators are reminded that MFA approval does not guarantee parking or bay availability, particularly at WSSS during the airshow period.

Alternate Airports

If parking is unavailable at WSSL, Johor Bahru (WMKJ), Malaysia provides a practical alternate.

The airport is located approximately 30 nautical miles from Singapore and offers an 11,000-foot runway with full GA support services. WMKJ closes nightly between 1600 and 2200 UTC. Ground transfer time to Singapore is approximately one hour, subject to border processing conditions.

Accommodation and Local Transport

Hotel availability in Singapore becomes limited during the airshow period. Nightly rates for four- and five-star properties typically range from USD 300 to 450, with premium locations booking out well in advance.

Ground transportation options include pre-arranged chauffeured vehicles, local taxis, Grab, and Singapore’s MRT rail network.

In-Flight Catering

In-flight catering is available at both WSSL and WSSS. Customized catering requests should be submitted with at least 48 hours’ notice. Refrigerated storage capacity at the WSSL Business Aviation Centre is limited.

Preferred Ground Handler

Universal Aviation Singapore, based at Seletar (WSSL), remains the preferred ground handler for business aviation operations during the Singapore Airshow. The facility provides full trip support, including slot coordination, parking, CIQ processing, and alternate airport planning.

Common Planning Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming WSSS drop-and-go access is automatic

• Submitting incomplete or weak GCR justifications

• Planning arrivals during flying display windows

• Waiting until late January to request parking

• Delaying hotel and ground transport bookings

Key Planning Recommendations

• Plan all business aviation operations to WSSL

• Do not plan parking or layovers at WSSS

• File early for parking, slots, and permits

• Ensure GCR submissions are complete and well supported

• Carry sufficient holding fuel

• Book hotels and ground transport well in advance

Conclusion

The Singapore Airshow 2026 represents one of the most operationally restrictive periods for business aviation in Southeast Asia. With daily airspace closures, limited airport access, and constrained parking availability, early coordination is critical to avoiding delays, diversions, or denied operations.

Universal Aviation Singapore can assist with all aspects of trip planning, including parking, CIQ coordination, slot management, and alternate airport arrangements, to ensure smooth operations during this high-traffic event.