News
Travellers flock to Hong Kong-Singapore travel bubble flights
November 13th 2020
There has been an enthusiastic response from the travelling public to establishment of an air travel bubble (ATB) between Hong Kong and Singapore, with tickets for the limited number of seats offered selling fast after the scheme was announced this week. Read More »
The ATB is due to kick off on November 22, with one flight a day between the two cities carrying a maximum of 200 passengers. In the first two weeks of the scheme, Cathay Pacific Airways and Singapore Airlines will operate designated ATB flights on alternative days before increasing the schedule to daily from December 7.
Cathay Pacific chief customer and commercial officer, Ronald Lam, said: "We believe this will be a milestone showcase for the opening of more and similar air travel bubbles with other popular destinations in the region and beyond.
“We look forward to welcoming our customers aboard our first travel bubble flights for a festive getaway as we head towards the popular Christmas holiday season.”
Singapore Airlines CEO, Goh Choon Phong, said the airline was committed to ensuring all precautionary measures were in place to safeguard the well-being of passengers and crew during the travel journey.
"This air travel bubble arrangement is an important step for Singapore and Hong Kong as we rebuild from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It supports the ongoing recovery of the airline industry," Goh said.
Media reports this week said the strong demand for the flights had led to higher ticket prices. One report said a one-way fare from Singapore to Hong Kong for travel on November 22 more than doubled to S$800 in a four-hour period after tickets went on sale.
Some flights have sold out.
Passengers travelling in either direction will have to produce a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of departure. Travellers arriving in Hong Kong will be tested on arrival and remain at the airport while waiting for their negative test result. There is no quarantine requirement for eligible ATB passengers.
Tourism bodies were excited at welcoming foreign visitors and promised plenty of promotional activities.
The scheme will be suspended for two weeks if the seven-day moving average of the daily number of unlinked COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong or Singapore rises above five.
