What's going on at Singapore's Changi Airport during the Covid crisis

What takes place at the 'world's best airport' when the global aviation industry comes to a standstill?

At Singapore's Changi Airport, this question has sparked a series of innovative solutions in response to the pandemic.

Changi, famous for its hawker center, butterfly garden, movie theater, and more, has earned the title of 'best airport' from Skytrax every year since 2013, thanks to its popularity with travelers.

The airport serves as the hub for Singapore Airlines, which has been showcasing extraordinary creativity during these times.

“Due to Covid-19 significantly cutting down the number of flights by the SIA Group, we’ve introduced exclusive activities to stay connected with our fans and customers during this period,” said the airline’s CEO, Goh Choon Phong, in a statement.

The airline is launching a series of activities, including a special dining experience inside a parked Airbus A380.

The pop-up dining experience, named Restaurant A380 @Changi, will be available for just two nights, October 24 and 25. Reservations are required through the airline’s website.

Similar to dining on board, guests will choose from a limited menu, with the standout option likely being Peranakan dishes crafted by renowned Singaporean chef Shermay Lee.

Along with the meal, guests will receive an exclusive swag bag – and if they attend in 'traditional heritage wear,' they’ll get even more surprises.

Frequent flyers with Singapore Airlines can use their miles to book this unique experience.

For those who miss out on the two exclusive nights of in-flight dining, the airline has more events planned for the November school holidays, including an aircraft simulator ride, a wine tasting session featuring the in-flight selection, and a special opportunity for kids to dress up as flight attendants.

In addition to the airline's special activities, there are other ways for disappointed travelers to enjoy Changi, even without traveling. With fewer international passengers, the airport has rolled out a series of promotions aimed at locals.

Many of these promotions are centered around Jewel Changi Airport, the 2019 multi-use complex that connects three of Changi’s four terminals. It features the world’s largest indoor waterfall and is home to numerous restaurants, shops, and attractions.

Jewel has introduced several offers to attract Singapore-based families, including free entry to its breathtaking Canopy Park with any purchase made in Jewel.

Some of the airport lounges have reportedly been made available for remote workers.

It’s a pretty great offer, especially considering that just a year ago, a man was arrested at Changi for purchasing a flight ticket just to escort his wife to the departure gate.