SudhikshaChangi Airport Singapore is stepping into the Chinese New Year travel rush with a fresh retail upgrade. This time, shopping feels less like an errand and more like part of the journey. The airport is clearly redefining how travellers spend time in transit.
At the centre of this shift is a multi-tiered campaign by The Shilla Duty Free. Running across all transit stores and iShopChangi until 8 March 2026, the campaign focuses on one goal. It keeps travellers engaged longer and encourages higher spending during one of Asia’s busiest travel periods.
Also read: Changi Airport’s Expansion: What It Means for Budget and Regional Travel
Changi Airport Chinese New Year upgrades to watch
Turning transit time into playtime
Image credit: The Shilla Duty Free
First, Changi Airport is making retail more interactive. Across several terminals, travellers can take part in festive, game-style activations. These include The Shilla Duty Free’s Lucky Gallop Button at Terminal 1 and the Ring of Fortune experiences in transit stores.
With a simple press or toss, shoppers unlock sure-win rewards. These range from store vouchers to exclusive gifts. As a result, passengers stay longer in-store and interact more with brands. Most importantly, shopping feels fun rather than rushed.
Disney collectibles land in Singapore
Image credit: The Shilla Duty Free
Next, the airport introduced its first Chinese New Year retail partnership with Disney’s Tsum Tsum. The Shilla Duty Free has launched a Zodiac-themed blind box collection featuring all 12 zodiac signs, along with a special Year of the Horse edition.
Each blind box costs S$9.90 with any purchase. This pricing encourages impulse buys and repeat purchases. Meanwhile, shoppers who spend S$188 or more receive an exclusive Tsum Tsum red packet set, available only at The Shilla Duty Free. This added incentive helps lift basket size during the festive season.
Pop culture meets duty-free shopping
Image credit: The Shilla Duty Free
In addition, Changi Airport taps into pop culture to drive higher spending. Mandopop star Silence Wang anchors the campaign as a major draw. Shoppers who spend S$250 or more stand a chance to win tickets to his sold-out Singapore concerts on 28 and 29 March 2026.
The appeal is clear. Silence Wang enjoys strong popularity among Mandarin-speaking and regional travellers. His Singapore concerts have seen exceptional demand. By linking fandom with shopping incentives, Changi turns entertainment into a powerful retail driver.
Stronger lounges and passenger services
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Beyond retail, the space is upgrading its passenger comfort. Singapore Airlines is investing S$45 million to refresh its SilverKris and KrisFlyer lounges at Terminal 2. The upgrades will introduce more space, improved seating, expanded dining options, better amenities, and rest areas.
These improvements aim to give travellers more choice and comfort before boarding. The phased renovations will roll out over the next two years, improving the premium travel experience at one of Changi’s busiest terminals.
Faster baggage, check-in, and immigration
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Changi Airport is also focusing on efficiency. The airport is investing billions of dollars to upgrade baggage-handling systems, expand immigration halls, and improve check-in facilities across terminals.
New self-service kiosks, enhanced arrival areas, and upgraded transport systems are designed to ease congestion during peak periods. These behind-the-scenes upgrades may be less visible, but they play a crucial role in keeping passenger flows smooth.
Expanded Terminal 1 and better connectivity
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Work is underway to expand Terminal 1’s arrival and baggage claim areas. The project will add more space for passengers, improve ground transport access, and strengthen links to Jewel and surrounding transport networks.
Once completed, the expansion will improve arrival efficiency while making transfers between terminals more seamless. It also supports Changi’s long-term plan to accommodate future passenger growth.
A stronger omnichannel experience
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Meanwhile, the airport continues to strengthen its digital retail ecosystem. The campaign extends to iShopChangi, allowing travellers to shop up to 30 days before or after their flight.
Online shoppers enjoy tax-absorbed pricing and complimentary delivery on orders above S$59. A festive promo code, SILENCE60, offers S$60 off a minimum spend of S$320 until 31 March 2026. Together, these incentives encourage larger online baskets and smoother online-to-offline shopping.
Also read: Most Popular Destinations for Singaporeans in 2026
Ready for take-off, Singapore style
Taken together, these upgrades reflect a wider transformation at Changi Airport. Retail, entertainment, and efficiency now work hand in hand to shape the passenger experience. For travellers passing through Singapore this festive season, the journey does not wait for the flight. The airport truly lives up to its name as one of the best in the world.
