THE boss of Changi Airport's investment and consultancy arm has quit, joining the ranks of about 120 people who leave the organisation every year - many bound for up-and-coming airports in China, India and the Middle East.

experts say the brain drain is worrying because many who leave are mid-level to senior staff with invaluable first-hand experience at running one of the best-managed airports in the world.

'It's no secret that they - airports in the Middle East, India and China - are taking our staff,' he said. 'It's warfare.'