New rules to come into effect at Chek Lap Kop and Changi airports.

From today (1 June) passengers will be allowed to transit flights at two of the most important airports in the Far East. This will greatly benefit the non-stop services from London and other major European points with passengers able to transfer to regional flights and further destinations in South East Asia and the Antipodes.

On 7 April, the Hong Kong government also extended its travel ban on non-Hong Kong residents “until further notice”. As part of the measures, all non-Hong Kong residents coming from overseas countries and regions by plane are banned from entering Hong Kong. All passengers arriving into Hong Kong are tested for Covid-19.

The announcement came after Hong Kong recorded 11 days in a row without a locally transmitted case of Covid-19.

The city has begun easing its social distancing measures by allowing entertainment venues including nightclubs and karaoke lounges to open this Friday. (See Tony Tyler in last week’s BTN COMMENT)

The rules at Singapore Changi Airport are also being relaxed.

Currently, foreign passengers can only transit through Singapore if they are on repatriation flights arranged by their governments. Singapore banned all short-term visitors from entering or transiting through the city-state in March in an effort to combat the spread of Covid-19. Only work-pass holders, including their dependents, who are providing essential services such as healthcare and transport are currently allowed to enter the country.

www.hongkongairport.com