Consider this. What if the ground beneath your feet held stories of bustling passengers and roaring fighter jets? You are now standing in front of Paya Lebar Air Base. This place was once Singapore International Airport. It has transformed over the years. Now, it stands as a vital military airbase.
Paya Lebar Air Base began its journey in 1954. It replaced Kallang Airport. The airport quickly became a significant hub. In 1980, the airport transitioned to military use. It was then renamed Paya Lebar Air Base. The motto of the airbase is Strength Through Readiness.
Alan Lennox-Boyd inaugurated the Singapore International Airport on August 20 1955. He was the Secretary of State for the Colonies. J. J. Bryan designed the airport. He was an experienced public works engineer.
Malayan Airways used Paya Lebar as one of its hubs. In 1958, the airline flew its first flight outside Southeast Asia. It flew to Hong Kong using a DC-4 plane. The plane was leased from Qantas.
In 1966, the airline focused on Singapore. It bought Boeing 707s. The airline renamed itself Malaysia-Singapore Airlines. Its primary hub became Paya Lebar. Services extended into North Asia.
Passenger numbers soared. They rose from 1.7 million to 4 million between 1970 and 1975. The airport faced constraints due to surrounding housing. Construction of a new airport began in 1975. The new airport opened in 1981.
From late 1967, Singapore International Airport began its conversion to military use. An Air Movement Centre was constructed. It handled passengers and cargo. These arrived on Republic of Singapore Air Force flights.
The original terminal building was painted green. The maintenance hangar and control tower were retained. Access to these areas is restricted by a wired fence. In 1981, it became Paya Lebar Air Base. This happened when Singapore Changi Airport opened.
Today, Paya Lebar Air Base houses aircraft like the C-130 Hercules. It also houses F-15SG Strike Eagles. Various squadrons operate from the base. These include the 122 Squadron and the 142 Squadron.
Paya Lebar Air Base also hosts United States Air Force units. It serves as a strategic refueling stop. It also acts as a transit point. The 497th Combat Training Squadron has used the base since 1991.
Many prominent figures have landed at Paya Lebar Air Base. These include Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Donald Trump. Vice-Presidents Dick Cheney and Kamala Harris have also visited.
Paya Lebar Air Base is scheduled for decommissioning by 2030. The area will be redeveloped into a new town. This town will feature residential and commercial developments. The RSAF will relocate to other airbases. These include Changi and Tengah.
The old passenger terminal and control tower still stand. They house air force units. These areas are off-limits to the public. The RSAF maintains the Air Force Museum. It showcases the air force’s history. The museum is located beside the airbase.
As we conclude our visit to Paya Lebar Air Base, remember its dual identity. It was once a bustling international airport. Now, it is a critical military installation. Its story is etched in Singapore’s history.