Singapore will gradually allow passengers to transit through Changi Airport (SIN) again starting from June 2.
Regulator the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said in a statement that the move is part of the island state’s strategy to gradually reopen air transport to meet the needs of its economy and people, whilst ensuring sufficient safeguards are in place for safe travel.
The decision coincides with the lifting of the so-called “circuit breaker” lockdown measures in Singapore.
Airlines must submit their proposals for transfer lanes through Changi Airport to the CAAS, which will evaluate the plans taking into account aviation safety and public health considerations as well as the health of passengers and crew.
Measures will be implemented to ensure that transit passengers remain in designated facilities and do not mix with other passengers whilst at Changi. Airport staff will be required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when interacting with the passengers.
Singapore initially stopped passengers with travel history to China from transiting and entering SIN on Jan 31. The ban was extended to all passengers except Singaporeans since mid-March. The country is now studying the establishment of “green lanes” for passengers from selected countries or cities as it restarts air travel.
With no domestic traffic to fall back on, Changi’s passenger numbers have dropped 99.5% year-on-year in April to 25,200. Its Terminal 2 and Terminal 4 have suspended operations since May 1 and May 16 respectively.
Flag-carrier Singapore Airlines recently posted its April operating statistics, showing a 99.6% YOY plunge in passenger carriage across its full service airlines Singapore Airlines and SilkAir. LCC Scoot’s passenger carriage and demand (RPK) was a 99.9%-wipeout compared to 2019.
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