SINGPORE/CHINA (HONG KONG). The Singapore Ministry of Transport today announced that the planned air travel bubble (ATB) for flights between Singapore and Hong Kong, due to commence on 26 May, has been deferred.
A statement from the Ministry said the deferral has been enacted because of the evolving COVID-19 situation in Singapore, where there has been a recent spike in cases.
The decision was taken after a meeting this morning between Singapore Minister for Transport, S. Iswaran, and Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, Edward Yau.
Both sides said they remain strongly committed to launching the ATB safely. However, in light of the recent increase in unlinked community cases, Singapore is unable to meet the criteria to start the ATB between the two locations at this time, the statement said.
Singapore and Hong Kong will closely monitor the public health situation in both places and review the new launch date of the ATB flights towards the end of Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) in Singapore.
Travellers may still continue their journey on non-designated ATB flights. However, such travellers will be subject to the prevailing border control and health requirements of both territories.
Singapore residents returning from Hong Kong will be subject to a 7-day Stay-Home Notice upon entry into Singapore.
