From this 1958 aerial photograph from the Royal Airforce, i suspect that this was the photo of the new Singapore International Airport ( Paya Lebar Airport) that was built to replace Kallang Airport. You can see the newly constructed dual carriage road that also leads to the airport. This road is likely Airport Road today. What is fascinating is you can see how Singapore look like in the past with its Kampong's and agricultural farm lands on what is now likely Tai Seng and Ubi Industrial estate area.
 |
| Paya Lebar Airport / Singapore International Airport (1958) - source: NAS |
Paya Lebar Airport officially opened on 20 August 1955, replacing Kallang Airport as Singapore’s main international gateway. At its launch, it was hailed as one of Asia’s finest airports, equipped with modern runway lighting, radio navigation aids, and radar. By 1960, the airport was already handling more than 300,000 passengers annually, with 11 airlines operating 125 weekly flights. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, it served as Singapore’s international hub until Changi Airport took over. To support the new facility, Airport Road was constructed in the early 1950s, providing direct access to Paya Lebar and anchoring development in the surrounding area.
 |
| Close-up - you can make out the passenger planes on the tarmac |
 |
| Surrounding area - Airport Road leading to Paya Lebar Airport (source: NAS) |
 |
| Airport Road - direct access from town to the airport with scenic kampong views (source: NAS) |
 |
| Old 1970 map showing Singapore Airport and Airport Road that passes through Tai Seng |
 |
| Singapore International Airport -Paya Lebar (postcard) |
Comments
Post a Comment
Thank you for your comment. I can also be reached at rojaklibrarian@gmail.com