Passengers Can Transit Through Changi Airport From 2 Jun
Singapore will conditionally allow transits through Changi Airport from 2 Jun, subject to proposals submitted by airlines.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) made the announcement on Wednesday (20 May), to gradually allow transits after the ‘Circuit Breaker’ enters Phase 1 of its lifting on 2 Jun.
Airlines to submit proposals for transfer lanes
Short-term travellers have not been able to transit through Changi Airport since 17 Mar.
Since then, only those returning to their home countries via their government’s help have been able to do so.
Channel NewsAsia reports that from 2 Jun, travels through Singapore will be conditional, subject to airline proposals submitted to CAAS.
CAAS will check the following are in order before allowing transits:
- Aviation safety
- Public health considerations
- Health of passengers and air crew
These conditions are to ensure that travel through Singapore is safe, and to prevent an influx of imported cases.
Transit passengers won’t interact with others in Changi Airport
The transit passengers will remain in special facilities and unlike before, they won’t interact with other passengers already in Changi Airport.
Airport staff will also wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when interacting with passengers.
Other than that, there’ll still be safe distancing and temperature taking for everyone, including passengers and staff.
Aviation industry may open up soon, with restrictions
It’s likely that the increased bar for travel will become the “new normal” even as travel restrictions open up gradually.
The aviation industry has suffered tremendous losses due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
While we cannot rush opening up borders in case a slew of imported cases come in, it’s good to know that we can open up soon, albeit with restrictions.
It’ll certainly be more difficult to travel in the coming months, even years. But a total travel ban cannot be permanent, and CAAS is laying out the first steps in resuming commercial flights.
Featured image adapted from Changi Airport.
