Singapore and Hong Kong will defer the launch of an air travel bubble to next year amid a spike in COVID-19 cases in the Chinese city, said Singapore’s aviation authority.
The travel bubble was originally scheduled to start on Nov 22, but both cities said the day before flights were to begin that the launch would be delayed by two weeks to early December.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said the travel bubble will be deferred “beyond December” and the exact start date will be reviewed late this month.
Singapore and Hong Kong decided on the deferment after further reviewing the COVID-19 situation in Hong Kong, where local unlinked cases are still high, CAAS said. Under the travel bubble, travellers between Singapore and Hong Kong will be subject to COVID-19 tests, in lieu of quarantine or stay-home notice.
There will be no restrictions on the purpose of travel and no requirement for a controlled itinerary or sponsorship.
CASS said passengers should contact their airlines regarding their travel plans.
“The Singapore and Hong Kong authorities have been in close discussion and will update when there are further developments,” CAAS added.
