Paya Lebar Airbase

Paya Lebar Air Base (PLAB) is a military airbase located in Paya Lebar, Singapore, operated by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the United States Air Force (USAF). It was originally constructed between 1952 and 1955, officially opening on August 20, 1955, as Singapore International Airport. This facility served as the country's primary civil aviation hub, replacing Kallang Airport, and was a significant regional aviation gateway. Major airlines like Malayan Airways (later Malaysia-Singapore Airlines and then Singapore Airlines) used it as their main hub. Supersonic Concorde flights were also operated from London to Paya Lebar by British Airways and Singapore Airlines from 1979 to 1980.

In 1980, civilian air traffic was transferred to the newly opened Changi Airport, and Paya Lebar was fully converted into a military airbase, officially renamed Paya Lebar Air Base in 1981. The Ministry of Defence owns the airbase, and it is controlled by both the RSAF and USAF. The airbase currently houses RSAF flying squadrons such as the 122 Squadron, operating C-130 Hercules aircraft, and the 142 Squadron and 149 Squadron, both equipped with F-15SG Strike Eagles. Support squadrons include the Air Logistics Squadron, Airfield Maintenance Squadron, Field Defence Squadron, and Flying Support Squadron.

Since October 31, 1991, the United States Air Force's 497th Combat Training Squadron has been permanently based at Paya Lebar, conducting regular flight operations in coordination with the RSAF. The base also serves as a strategic refuelling and staging post for transiting U.S. aircraft within the Indo-Pacific region and frequently accommodates VIP aircraft, including Air Force One during visits by U.S. presidents. Paya Lebar Air Base is currently operational but is planned for decommissioning by around 2030, with RSAF operations progressively shifting to other airbases like Changi and Tengah. The site is slated for redevelopment into a new town, with potential preservation of heritage elements like the former runway.