Jet planes will not be the only ones taking flight at Changi Airport.

Changi visitors can now marvel at 1,000 butterflies of 47 different species roaming freely in Terminal 3's latest facility, the Butterfly Garden.

The 330 square-metre facility, located in the heart of T3's Departure/ Transit Mall, was officially opened today, said the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) in a media release.

The two-storey, open-air and non-smoking nature retreat is fully enclosed by a curvilinear shaped roof in stainless steel mesh and glass panels.

A timber walkway will allow visitors to experience the garden while an incorporated waterfall feature will help keep the garden cool in Singapore's tropical weather.

Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, Senior Minister of State for Finance and Transport, who graced the launch said, "Passengers will have a tranquil haven offering a respite from the stresses of travelling.

"This new facility is part of CAAS' on-going efforts to review and introduce novel or improved facilities to enhance the 'Changi Experience' for our passengers."

The Butterfly Garden also features educational elements, with informative panels and feeding corners where butterflies can be observed at a close range.

Top photo: Senior Minister of State for Finance and Transport, Mrs Lim Hwee Hua, on a tour of the Butterfly Garden. From left to right: Mrs Lim Hwee Hua (Senior Minister of State for Finance and Transport), Mr Liew Mun Leong (Chairman, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore), Mr Khaja Nazimuddeen (Manager, Horticulture, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore) and Mr Foo Sek Min (Senior Director, Airport Management Group, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore)