Singapore: Changi Airport transit bans to be lifted from 2 June

Currently, passengers are not permitted to transit through Singapore’s Changi Airport, but that will change as from 2 June

Background

Changi imposed bans on transit passengers from 24 March, as well as a ban on holidaymakers and other short term visitors to the island.

Transiting in Singapore’s Changi Airport

Don’t expect the usual duty free party. Transit passengers will be directed to designated separate facilities, so they won’t mix with other passengers. Expect to see airport staff all wearing PPE (personal protective equipment) as well as social distancing and temperature checks.

2PAXfly Takeout

The aviation industry has a difficult road ahead when it comes to sustainability. It’s going to require a relative revolution in technology, with ‘electric planes’ or hydrogen planes, or some form of jet engine that doesn’t require a carbon based fuel. And that is going to require the development of an alternative to jet engines probably.

It’s a big ask. It will take time to develop.

This move to home grown and manufactured SAF is a first step – maybe even a baby step in a very long road of innovation. In the long run, US$200 million won’t even touch the sides.

The new transit arrangements should assist Singapore Airlines, which has been haemorrhaging cash, despite its access to the Singaporean sovereign wealth fund Temasek’s deep pockets. It will also benefit the many airlines that use Singapore as a transit point to Australia including British Airways, Qantas and others.