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.
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:
These conditions are to ensure that travel through Singapore is safe, and to prevent an influx of imported cases.
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.
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.
A record of more than 553,000 travellers crossed both checkpoints on 13 Dec.
There has been no year-end Covid-19 wave, as had been expected.
The beef was imported without a veterinary health certificate and halal certification.
One fan started queueing as early as 7am.
The company made the change after parents said they wanted to make sure their gifts…
An incredible twist of fortune for the police -- and a stroke of bad luck…