New buildings at Singapore, Heathrow, Beijing, JFK

This year, some of the world’s major airports have opened new terminals designed for 21st-century travel. Singapore Changi recently opened its third terminal and already has plans for a fourth, in a bid to become the region’s number-one airport, competing against Hong Kong and Bangkok. The new $1.22 billion terminal is “green,” boasting 919 energy-saving skylights, a butterfly garden and more than 200 species of foliage. Eight of the terminal’s 28 gates can handle the super-jumbo Airbus A380.

London Heathrow’s new Terminal 5, built for the sole use of British Airways, has been touted as the new millennium’s gateway to Britain. The 10-story terminal has convenient rail links to the city; top-notch restaurants, cafés and shopping; and free wireless Internet. Business- and first-class lounges have hotel-style rooms where passengers can sleep.

Beijing Airport opened its 14-million-square-foot Terminal 3 and a new ground transportation center to accommodate a surge of visitors for the Summer Olympics in August 2008. The terminal has 64 Western and Chinese restaurants, 90 retail shops, a state-of-the-art baggage-handling system, and gates that accommodate the super-jumbo Airbus A380.

American Airlines’ $1.3 billion Terminal 9 at New York’s JFK Airport is located near the new U.S. Customs and Immigrations facility. Fully completed this year, the terminal has 36 gates, 19 capable of handling international arrivals, and a state-of-the-art baggage system. There are also popular retailers and service providers, as well a variety of food and beverage services.