Work has started on Changi Airport's Terminal 4, which opens in 2017. The new facility, which is being built where the Budget Terminal was, will be able to handle up to 16 million passengers a year.

The capacity boost and other projects in the pipeline will prepare Changi for strong growth expected in Asia-Pacific's air travel market, said Transport Minister Lui Tuck Yew at T4's ground-breaking event on Tuesday.

Other airports in Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, South Korea and Jakarta are also ramping up capacity.

He said: "Airports require sufficient capacity to attract new airlines, add new city-links and increase frequencies. Without this airlines would turn to other airports that can better facilitate their growth and if this happens to Changi it will risk losing connectivity."

When T4 is ready and T1 expansion works completed in 2018, Changi will be able to handle up to 85 million passengers a year, up from 66 million now. The new T4 will offer travellers more do-it-yourself options at check-in, immigration and pre-departure to reduce manpower reliance in a labour-tight market, Changi Airport Group said.

Unlike Terminals 1, 2 and 3 where security checks are done twice - once before immigration and again, just before departure - T4 will have a one-stop security centre.

Travellers can also look forward to more shopping and dining options, compared to the Budget Terminal's sparse offerings.

Transfers between T4 and the other terminals will be made more convenient, especially for passengers with conencting flights. Transit buses will be provided so there is no need to exit an re-enter the restricted areas.