Singapore’s Changi Airport will start receiving transit passengers from June 2.
News about what’s reopening in Asia, whether it be for airlines, resorts or entire countries, is coming in thick and fast as the world rebuilds after COVID-19.
June is turning out to be a particularly busy month; here’s an update on what’s reopening in the region.
June 1
New South Wales opens up for regional travel
Falling numbers of new cases in Australia’s most populous state has prompted the state premier Gladys Berejiklian to start opening up the state earlier than expected. Art galleries, museums and libraries will open with some restrictions and residents will be free to travel throughout the state.
Thailand’s domestic tourism restarts
Tourism minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn began talks in late May with the country’s Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) about easing domestic tourism restrictions. This includes allowing inter-provincial travel and hotel operations to resume in many provinces. Domestic travel will restart on June 1 within the same region for the first two weeks, before gradually extending to inter-regional travel.
Hong Kong to allow airport transits
Hong Kong International Airport will reopen to transit travel on June 1. A number of hygiene measures have been introduced at the airport and all transit passengers and airport staff must wear face masks. Passengers must go straight to the boarding gate for their connecting flight; there will be no entry permitted into the city.
Maldives to allow entry to private jets
The Maldives will begin a gradual reopening from June 1 to private jets and super yachts. The government is currently considering draft ‘Safe Tourism Guidelines’ and is hoping to welcome commercial flights from July 1. Proposals include visitors having to undergo a COVID-19 test seven days prior to arrival and again when they land in the Maldives.
Turkey to reopen in stages
International flights will gradually recommence throughout June. The Turkish government has developed a certification programme for hotels and restaurants which will be subject to strict regulations.
Vietnam to resume international flights
Vietnam suspended international flights on March 25 but in May its civil aviation authority (CAAV) was seeking government approval to resume international flights from June 1. The country has registered just 288 coronavirus cases and no deaths. Talks are underway with South Korea and China to create reciprocal travel bubbles and Vietnam Airlines is in talks to revive international flights in June, as well.
June 2
Singapore to restart airport transits
From June 2, travellers will gradually be allowed to transit through Changi Airport, with stringent measures in place to ensure transit passengers don’t mix with other passengers at the airport. Airport staff will also be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment. Airlines have been invited to submit their ‘transfer lane’ proposals.
Rest of June
Singapore and China to open travel corridor
In a joint statement released at the end of May, Singapore and China said they planned to reopen essential travel for business and official purposes in June. The ‘Fast Lane Arrangement’ will be applied between Singapore and six Chinese provinces and municipalities before gradually being expanded to further destinations in China.
Qatar to introduce 80 destinations
The airline said in May that it would start resuming flights to destinations it had suspended and that it aimed to fly to up to 80 destinations by June. Cabin crew will wear protective suits, masks and gloves and passengers will have to wear face masks on board. To manage a slow recovery, Qatar Airways will reduce its fleet by a quarter.
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