Singapore, India in talks to resume passenger flights gradually but not travel bubble: CAAS

Air travel between Singapore and India is currently restricted only to special repatriation flights chartered by the Indian government. - ST

SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): Singapore and India are in talks about resuming scheduled commercial passenger flights gradually between the two countries.

But Singapore is not discussing an air travel bubble arrangement with India in which leisure travel can resume, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has said.

Air travel bubbles, such as the one agreed between Singapore and Hong Kong, would have given travellers special exemption from quarantine rules. The resumption of commercial flights would not automatically come with such exemptions, unless agreed upon by countries.

It issued the clarification on Wednesday evening (Jan 27) in response to queries about comments made by India's High Commissioner to Singapore P. Kumaran.

Kumaran told American news outlet CNBC on Monday that talks were underway to restore air connectivity between the two countries. He was responding to a question about the possibility of an air travel bubble between the two.

He added that both sides have shown a "fair amount of interest" to try and enhance the connectivity between the two countries.

The comments sparked concerns among many Singaporeans online. Several people questioned the logic of setting up an air travel bubble arrangement with India, given the high number of imported cases originating from the country.

Singapore has had only one air travel bubble arrangement so far. But that arrangement with Hong Kong has been indefinitely postponed after the number of Covid-19 cases rose in the territory.

On Wednesday, CAAS said: "Countries may have different understanding on what an air travel bubble is.

"Singapore is not discussing an air travel bubble arrangement with India as Singaporeans understand it to be."

It said air travel between Singapore and India is currently restricted only to special repatriation flights chartered by the Indian government.

There is interest from both countries to explore resuming scheduled commercial passenger flights between them gradually, CAAS added.

"Travellers will be subject to travel restrictions, border and health measures, such as testing and stay-home notices," it said, noting that discussions are ongoing. - The Straits Times/Asia News Network