View source for Paya Lebar Air Base

{{short description|Military airbase in Singapore}}
{{Redirect|Singapore International Airport|the currently used commercial airport in Singapore|Changi Airport}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2019}}
{{EngvarB|date=January 2019}}
<!-- This article is NOT written in US-English. Please do not change it to US-English contrary to [[WP:ENGVAR]]:
"An article on a topic that has strong ties to a particular English-speaking nation uses the appropriate variety of English for that nation." -->
{{Infobox military installation
| name          = Paya Lebar Airbase
| ensign        = 
| ensign_size   = 
| nativename    = Lapangan Terbang Paya Lebar
| nativename-a  = {{lang|zh-sg|{{nobold|巴耶利峇空軍基地}}}}
| nativename-r  = பாயா லெபார் விமான தளம்
| partof        = <!-- for elements within a larger site -->
| location      = [[Paya Lebar]], [[Singapore]]
| nearest_town  = <!-- used in military test site infobox -->
| country       = Singapore
| image         = [[File:Singapore International Airport control tower and terminal building, photographed February 1969 × July 1971.jpg|300px]]
| alt           = 
| caption       = The control tower and terminal building in 1971
| image2        = 
| alt2          = 
| caption2      = U.S. [[Air Force One]] at Paya Lebar Airbase for the [[Singapore Summit]]
| type          = [[Military airbase]]
| coordinates   = {{coord|01|21|37|N|103|54|34|E|region:SG_type:airport|display=inline,title}}
| gridref       = 
| image_map     = {{maplink|frame=yes|plain=yes|type=shape|stroke-width=2|stroke-color=#000000|zoom=12|frame-latitude=1.36042|frame-longitude=103.9100037}}
| image_mapsize = 
| image_map_alt = 
| image_map_caption = 
| pushpin_map   = Singapore
| pushpin_mapsize = 300px
| pushpin_map_alt = 
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Singapore
| pushpin_relief = 
| pushpin_image = 
| pushpin_label = Paya Lebar Airbase
| pushpin_label_position = top
| pushpin_mark  = 
| pushpin_marksize = 
| ownership     = [[Ministry of Defence (Singapore)|Ministry of Defence]]
| operator      = [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]]<br/>[[United States Air Force]]
| controlledby  = [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]]<br/>[[United States Air Force]]
| open_to_public = <!-- for out of use sites/sites with museums etc -->
| site_other_label = <!-- for renaming "Other facilities" in infobox -->
| site_other    = <!-- for other sorts of facilities – radar types etc -->
| site_area     = <!-- area of site m2, km2 square mile etc -->
| code          = <!--facility/installation code, applies to US -->
| built         = {{start date|1955|08|21|df=y}} (as Singapore International Airport)
| used          = 1955 – present
| builder       = 
| materials     = 
| height        = <!-- height of tallest part, not above sea level -->
| length        = <!-- for border fences or other DMZs -->
| fate          = Decommissioned by 2030s
| condition     = Operational
| battles       = 
| events        = 
| current_commander = <!-- current commander -->
| past_commanders = <!-- past notable commander(s) -->
| garrison      = 
| occupants     = <!-- squadrons only -->
| designations  = 
| website       = <!-- begin airfield information  -->
| IATA          = QPG
| ICAO          = WSAP
| FAA           = 
| TC            = 
| LID           = 
| GPS           = 
| WMO           = 
| elevation     = 
| r1-number     = 02/20
| r1-length     = {{Convert|3780|m|0}}
| r1-surface    = [[Asphalt concrete|Asphalt]]
| airfield_other_label = <!-- for renaming "Other facilities" in infobox -->
| airfield_other = <!-- for other sorts of airfield facilities -->
<!--  end airfield information   -->| footnotes     = '''Source:''' [[DAFIF]]<ref name=WAD>{{cite web|url-status=usurped|url=http://worldaerodata.com/wad.cgi?airport=WSAP|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190305143444/http://worldaerodata.com/wad.cgi?airport=WSAP|archive-date=2019-03-05|title=Airport information for WSAP|website=World Aero Data}} Data current as of October 2006. Source: [[DAFIF]].</ref><ref name=GCM>{{GCM|QPG|source=[[DAFIF]]}}</ref>
}}

'''Paya Lebar Air Base''' {{airport codes|QPG|WSAP}} is a [[military airbase]] operated by the [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]] (RSAF) and [[United States Air Force]] (USAF), situated along Airport Road in [[Paya Lebar]], within the [[East Region, Singapore|eastern region]] of Singapore. Serving as a key installation for the RSAF, the airbase adopts the motto ''Strength Through Readiness'', reflecting its operational commitment and strategic significance within Singapore's defence framework.

Originally established in 1955 as the '''Singapore International Airport''', it was built to replace the former [[Kallang Airport]] as the country’s main civil aviation hub. The airport played a crucial role in Singapore’s early aviation history until 1980, when civilian air traffic was moved to [[Changi Airport]]. That same year, control of the facility was handed over to the RSAF, and the site was officially designated as Paya Lebar Air Base.

According to the [[Urban Redevelopment Authority]] (URA)'s Master Plan, Paya Lebar Air Base is planned for decommissioning by around 2030. The site will be redeveloped into a [[New towns of Singapore|new town]], featuring residential and commercial areas. In preparation for this, RSAF operations are progressively being shifted to other [[List of airports in Singapore|airbases]] across the country, including expanded facilities at [[Changi Air Base|Changi]] and [[Tengah Air Base|Tengah]], throughout the 2020s.<ref>{{cite web |title=Singapore 2030: How the Lion City will transform in the next decade |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/multimedia/graphics/2021/08/sg-2030/index.html |website=The Straits Times |access-date=24 July 2022 |language=en |date=31 August 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Lim |first1=Kimberly |title=Plans for Paya Lebar Air Base to be 'new generation town', Springleaf estate to retain rich biodiversity |url=https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/paya-lebar-air-base-heritage-ura-plan-town-springleaf-biodiversity-1915921 |website=TODAY |access-date=24 July 2022 |language=en |date=6 June 2022}}</ref>

==History==
[[File:ST21August1955.jpg|thumb|''[[The Straits Times|The Sunday Times]]'' on 21 August 1955, reporting on the opening of Paya Lebar Airport by [[Secretary of State for the Colonies|Colonial Secretary]] [[Alan Lennox-Boyd, 1st Viscount Boyd of Merton]]]]
The airport was constructed between 1952 and 1955, officially opening on 20 August 1955 with a ceremony led by the [[Secretary of State for the Colonies]], [[Alan Lennox-Boyd, 1st Viscount Boyd of Merton]].<ref name="PLIA">{{cite news|title=The Door to Singapore|url=http://newspapers.nl.sg/Digitised/Article.aspx?articleid=straitstimes19550821-1.2.4|access-date=21 March 2014|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=21 August 1955}}</ref> The project cost approximately $37 million and was designed by J. J. Bryan, a public works engineer with prior experience in airport construction across Asia. Serving as Singapore’s main international gateway at the time, it replaced the older Kallang Airport and quickly became an important regional aviation hub.<ref>{{cite news|last=Kraal|first=Ivor|title=Singapore's Great Day|url=http://newspapers.nl.sg/Digitised/Article.aspx?articleid=straitstimes19550814-1.2.55|access-date=21 March 2014|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=14 August 1955}}</ref>

During its early years, the airport served as one of two main hubs for [[Malayan Airways]]. In 1958, the airline conducted its first service outside Southeast Asia using a [[DC-4]] leased from [[Qantas]], flying to Hong Kong. Over the next few years, the airline introduced turboprop aircraft and rebranded as Malaysian Airways. In 1962, a joint RAF and Singapore civil Air Traffic Control service was established to provide military cover for air defence. British Eagle’s Britannia aircraft supported British military logistics, while the introduction of the [[de Havilland Comet]] 4C and later the [[Vickers VC10]] aircraft significantly reduced travel time.<ref name="PLIA"/>

By 1966, the airline had shifted its focus to Singapore, acquiring [[Boeing 707]]s and adopting the name Malaysia-Singapore Airlines, operating with a distinctive fluorescent yellow livery. Paya Lebar became its primary hub, with routes expanding into North Asia. [[Malaysia-Singapore Airlines]] was dissolved in 1972, splitting into [[Malaysia Airlines]] and [[Singapore Airlines]], the latter retaining the 707 fleet and continuing operations at Paya Lebar.<ref name="PLIA"/> From 1979 to 1980, [[British Airways]], in collaboration with [[Singapore Airlines]], operated supersonic [[Concorde]] flights from London's [[Heathrow Airport]] to Paya Lebar.<ref name="PLIA"/> However, as the airport became increasingly constrained by surrounding housing estates, a new airport was commissioned.<ref name="PLIA"/> Construction of [[Changi Airport]] began in 1975 and was completed in 1981, at which point civil operations ceased at Paya Lebar and the [[IATA airport code]] SIN and [[ICAO airport code]] WSSS were officially transferred to Changi.<ref name="PLIA"/>

===Conversion to military use===
The airport began its transition into a military facility in late 1967 with the construction of an ''Air Movement Centre'' to support the [[Republic of Singapore Air Force]] (RSAF), the [[Ministry of Defence (Singapore)|Ministry of Defence]] [[charter flights]] and foreign [[military aircraft]]. Key structures such as the terminal building, hangar and control tower were retained but restricted from public access. The transformation was completed in 1981 when all civilian operations moved to Changi, after which the site was fully converted into a [[military installation|military]] [[airbase]] and officially renamed Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB).

====Paya Lebar Air Base====
The air base currently houses aircraft such as the [[C-130 Hercules]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Leong|first1=Wai Kit|title=Two C-130 aircraft from Singapore scour seas for QZ8501|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/two-c-130-aircraft-from/1555484.html|access-date=29 December 2014|publisher=Channel NewsAsia}}</ref> and two squadrons of F-15SG Strike Eagles.

The flying squadrons are:
*122 Squadron with 10 [[C-130 Hercules]],
*[[142 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force|142 Squadron]] with 15 F-15SG Strike Eagles,
*[[149 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force|149 Squadron]] with at least 24 F-15SG Strike Eagles<ref name="F-15SG">{{cite news|url=http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/news_and_events/nr/2010/apr/05apr10_nr.html|title=Inauguration of the RSAF's First Local F-15SG Squadron|date=5 April 2010|publisher=[[Ministry of Defence (Singapore)|MINDEF]] press release|access-date=5 April 2010}}</ref>

The support squadrons are:
*Air Logistics Squadron (ALS)
*Airfield Maintenance Squadron (AMS)
*Field Defence Squadron (FDS)
*Flying Support Squadron (FSS)

Former squadrons based here are:
*141 Squadron with F-5S/T, RF-5S
*[[144 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force|144 Squadron]] with F-5S/T

====Use by the United States Air Force====
[[File:Air Force One Arrives Paya Lebar Air Base, Singapore.jpg|thumb|[[Air Force One]] carrying U.S. President [[Donald Trump]] landing at Paya Lebar for the [[2018 North Korea–United States summit]]]]
Under Singapore's authorisation, Paya Lebar Air Base is utilised by several units of the [[United States Air Force]] and [[United States Navy]], including elements of the [[United States Marine Corps Aviation]]. It serves as a strategic refuelling and staging post for transiting aircraft, particularly within the Indo-Pacific region. Since 31 October 1991, the [[497th Combat Training Squadron]] has been permanently based at Paya Lebar, conducting regular flight operations in coordination with the Republic of Singapore Air Force.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://singapore.usembassy.gov/497cts.html|title=497th Combat Training Squadron (497th CTS)|publisher=United States Embassy to Singapore|access-date=7 July 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726014008/http://singapore.usembassy.gov/497cts.html|archive-date=26 July 2011}}</ref>

The airbase also frequently receives VIP aircraft operated by the United States government. [[Air Force One]] has landed at the base during several official visits by American presidents, including [[George W. Bush]] in October 2003<ref>{{cite web |title=Bush greeted by 'quiet reception' in Singapore – ASEAN/East Asia {{!}} The Star Online |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2003/10/22/bush-greeted-by--quiet-reception--in-singapore/ |website=The Star|location=Malaysia |access-date=10 June 2018}}</ref> and November 2006,<ref>{{cite web|title=President George W. Bush looks on as Laura Bush is greeted by Patricia L. Herbold, U.S. Ambassador to Singapore, upon their arrival at Paya Lebar Airport Thursday, Nov. 16, 2006, for a two-day visit. White House photo by Eric Draper|url=https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2006/11/images/20061115-6_d-0049-3-515h.html|website=georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov|access-date=10 June 2018}}</ref> and by [[Barack Obama]] on 14 November 2009 for the [[APEC Singapore 2009]] Summit.<ref>{{cite web|title=Obama in Singapore for economic summit |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/11/14/obama.asia/|access-date=10 June 2018}}</ref> In 2007, [[Air Force Two]] carrying [[U.S. Vice President]] [[Dick Cheney]] made a refuelling stop and underwent minor repairs at the base while en route from Australia.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Bohan|first1=Caren|title=Cheney plane leaves Singapore after minor repairs|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-cheney-plane-idUSSP7753420070225|work=Reuters|date=25 February 2007|access-date=10 June 2018}}</ref>

In more recent years, the base continued to be a key transit point for high-profile visits involving the United States. U.S. President [[Donald Trump]] arrived aboard the [[Air Force One]]'s [[Boeing VC-25A]] on 10 June 2018 to attend the [[2018 North Korea–United States summit]], while North Korean leader [[Kim Jong Un]] landed separately at Changi on an [[Air China]]'s [[Boeing 747-400]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Trump may leave G-7 early for Singapore amid trade dispute|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/trump-may-leave-g-7-early-for-singapore-amid-trade-dispute|work=The Straits Times|date=9 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Trump to land in Singapore on Sunday night, ahead of historic summit with Kim Jong-un|url=https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/trump-land-singapore-sunday-night-ahead-historic-summit-kim-jong-un|access-date=10 June 2018|work=TODAYonline}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Donald Trump to meet Kim Jong Un in Singapore: What you need to know about the historic summit|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/donald-trump-to-meet-kim-jong-un-in-singapore-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-historic|access-date=10 June 2018|work=The Straits Times|date=12 May 2018}}</ref>  Early media reports speculated that Kim would land at PLAB in an [[Air Koryo]]'s [[Ilyushin Il-62]].<ref>{{cite news|title=North Korea's Kim Jong Un expected to land at Changi Airport on Sunday: Source |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/north-koreas-kim-expected-to-land-at-changi-airport-on-sunday-source|access-date=10 June 2018|work=The Straits Times|date=8 June 2018}}</ref> On 22 August 2021, [[Air Force Two]] carrying Vice President [[Kamala Harris]] also landed at Paya Lebar for an official visit to Singapore.<ref>{{Cite web|last=joanchew|date=2021-08-22|title=US Vice-President Kamala Harris arrives in Singapore|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/us-vice-president-kamala-harris-arrives-in-singapore|access-date=2021-08-29|website=The Straits Times|language=en}}</ref> The airbase regularly accommodates aircraft such as the [[Boeing E-4B]] during visits by the [[United States Secretary of Defense]], and the [[Boeing C-32]] used by the [[United States Secretary of State]] and Vice President. 

===Decommissioning===
Paya Lebar is expected to be decommissioned from 2030,<ref>{{cite news |title=Parliament: Paya Lebar Airbase relocation will be completed from 2030 |url=https://www.asiaone.com/singapore/parliament-paya-lebar-airbase-relocation-will-be-completed-2030 |access-date=1 September 2021 |work=AsiaOne |date=20 January 2015}}</ref> with expansion works currently underway at [[Tengah Air Base]] and [[Changi Air Base]] during the 2020s to accommodate the relocation of RSAF assets.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/5-things-to-know-about-the-expansion-of-tengah-air-base|title=5 things to know about the expansion of Tengah Air Base|newspaper=The Straits Times |date=18 July 2017}}</ref> Following its closure, height restrictions in the [[Central Area, Singapore|Central Area]] will be relaxed, and Paya Lebar will be redeveloped into a [[New towns of Singapore|new town]] comprising housing, offices, factories and green spaces.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lim |first1=Sean |title=A different Paya Lebar, with air base gone |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/a-different-paya-lebar-with-air-base-gone |website=The Straits Times |access-date=22 June 2025 |language=en |date=18 July 2017}}</ref> Heritage elements such as the former runway may be preserved as part of parks and museums within the new development.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Liew |first1=Isabelle |title=Fancy a jog down the runway? Plans for Paya Lebar Air Base may see runway kept as part of new town {{!}} The Straits Times |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/housing/fancy-a-jog-down-the-runway-paya-lebar-air-base-plans-may-see-runway-kept-as-part-of-new-town |website=www.straitstimes.com |access-date=24 July 2022 |language=en |date=6 June 2022}}</ref>

==Photo gallery==
<gallery>
File:Flags outside Singapore International Airport, photographed February 1969 × July 1971.jpg|Flags outside Singapore International Airport, photographed February 1969 × July 1971.
File:Malaysia-Singapore Airlines Boeing 737.jpg|[[Malaysia-Singapore Airlines]] [[Boeing 737-100]]
File:SAS airliner at Singapore International Airport, photographed February 1969 × July 1971.jpg|[[Scandinavian Airlines|SAS]] [[Sud Aviation Caravelle|Caravelle]] at Singapore International Airport, photographed February 1969 × July 1971.
File:Giraffe S 3D radar.jpg|1988, a [[GIRAFFE Radar|GIRAFFE S 3D radar]] on display at Paya Lebar Air Base.
File:Maverick armed RSAF F-5S.jpg|An [[AGM-65 Maverick]] armed [[Northrop F-5#Variants|Northrop F-5S Tiger-II]].
<!-- Deleted image removed: File:Best RSAF Unit award 2008.JPG|2008, Squadron personnel and staff of [[149 Squadron, Republic of Singapore Air Force|149 Sqn]] based at PLAB posing in front of the squadron's [[Northrop F-5#F-5E and F-5F Tiger II|F-5S Tiger-IIs]] after winning the Best RSAF Unit award. In 2010, the Sqn transitioned to the new [[McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle#F-15SG|F-15SG Strike Eagles]]. -->
</gallery>

==Legacy==
Being Singapore's first major international airport, the old passenger terminal building and control tower still stands, though they now house air force units and are off-limits to the public. Nevertheless, much of the interior still remains intact and is almost completely preserved from the time it was first built.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wallpaper.com/architecture/paya-lebar-airport-singapore/3341|title=Paya Lebar Airport, Singapore|work=[[IPC Media]]'s [[Wallpaper (magazine)|Wallpaper*]]|author=Daven Wu|date=6 May 2009|access-date=11 May 2010}}</ref> The road which used to lead to the old passenger terminal is also still known as Airport Road.

===Air Force Museum===
[[File:Republic of Singapore Air Force museum.JPG|thumb|The RSAF Museum]]
The RSAF maintains the [[Singapore Air Force Museum|Air Force Museum]], which is open to the public and showcases the air force's history and capabilities. The museum is located at 400 Airport Road, Singapore 534234 beside the airbase. It went through an upgrade and update of the exhibits in 2015.

==See also==
{{Portal|Singapore|Aviation}}
*[[Task Force 73/Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Paya Lebar Air Base}}
{{externalimage
|topic=
|width=
|float=right
|image1=[http://www.freewebs.com/gajrevor/paya%20lebar%20airport-2-1961.jpg Overflight photo 1 of Paya Lebar Airport, 1962]
|image2=[http://www.freewebs.com/gajrevor/paya%20lebar%20airport-3-1961.jpg Overflight photo 2 of Paya Lebar Airport, 1962]
|image3=[http://www.freewebs.com/gajrevor/paya%20lebar%20airport-4-1961.jpg Overflight photo 3 of Paya Lebar Airport, 1962]
}}

*[http://www.mindef.gov.sg/imindef/mindef_websites/atozlistings/air_force/assets/airbases_and_squadrons/Paya_Lebar_Air_Base.html RSAF web page on Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB)]
*{{NWS-current|WSAP}}
*{{ASN|QPG}}

{{RSAF Airbases}}
{{Airports in Singapore}}

{{authority control}}

[[Category:Military airbases established in 1955]]
[[Category:Airports in Singapore]]
[[Category:Camps and bases of the Singapore Armed Forces]]
[[Category:Paya Lebar|Air Base]]
[[Category:Republic of Singapore Air Force bases]]
[[Category:1955 establishments in Singapore]]
[[Category:Singapore–United States military relations]]
[[Category:20th-century architecture in Singapore]]