Changi Airport will have access to third runway by the end of this decade to cope with a growing number of flights, said Minister of State for Transport, Josephine Teo.

Speaking during Wednesday's parliamentary debate, Mrs Teo said plans are also in place to boost terminal capacity.

When Terminal 1 is expanded and Terminal 4 ready by 2018, Changi Airport will be able to handle up to 85 million passengers a year, compared to 73 million now, she said.

Mrs Teo who heads a high-level committee looking into the airport's future needs said the next big terminal will not be needed until the mid 2020s.

When required, it will be built near the third runway which is currently used for military purposes. The area is now separated from the existing airport by Changi Coast Road.

Mrs Teo stressed that amid stiff competition from other airports like Dubai, Changi Airport has to ensure it provides enough capacity for future growth.