Singapore to Scale Down Flights from Paya Lebar Airbase Before 2030 Closure

Singapore’s Defence Minister Chan Chun Sing has confirmed that flights from Paya Lebar Airbase (PLAB) will be progressively reduced as part of its planned relocation, scheduled for 2030 or later.

Responding in Parliament on September 22 to questions from lawmaker Alex Yeo about noise impact on residents in Potong Pasir and Bidadari, Chan said the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) must continue local training to ensure pilots remain proficient and operationally ready.

He outlined existing measures to reduce noise, including conducting about half of RSAF’s flying training overseas, using simulators, planning routes away from residential areas, and adjusting training schedules during school examination periods.

“Less than one percent of RSAF flights take place between 10pm and 8am, unless for operational reasons,” Chan said.

The minister added that as support infrastructure at other bases is completed, the frequency of flights from Paya Lebar will be cut back. The airbase relocation has been described as a complex and phased operation.

The closure of PLAB will free up significant land for urban development, but until then, training needs will continue to drive activity at the site.