Singapore now bans airport transit passengers as well as visitors
Singapore's role as Asia's hub to the world has just been cut short by the coronavirus.
By David Flynn, March 22 2020
Singapore will ban all transit passengers from Tuesday March 24, along with short-term visitors to the island nation, with the aim of preventing the coronavirus pandemic from taking hold in the city-state, which this weekend recorded its first two deaths from Covid-19 complications.
Singapore's Changi Airport is among the region's busiest, with 65.6 million passengers passing through in 2018.
The move will isolate Singapore – often considered as Asia's financial capital and one of its leading air travel hubs – from the rest of the world, and represents a near-crippling blow to Singapore Airlines.
The flag-carrier has been forced to slash its global network by 96% of capacity and leave just nine aircraft, out of a fleet of 147, flying a handful of routes geared around Singaporean residents rather than global travellers.
The airline says that its unique role as a purely international carrier makes its position "more vulnerable when international markets increasingly restrict the free movement of people or ban air travel altogether. It is unclear when the SIA Group can begin to resume normal services, given the uncertainty as to when the stringent border controls will be lifted."
Read more: Singapore Airlines cuts almost all flights amid travel restrictions
Changi Airport has advised passengers that the ban "includes passengers who are transferring flights and not leaving the transit area," adding that "if you are transiting/transferring through Singapore, both incoming and outgoing flights have to be before 23/03/20 11.59pm."
Self-isolation for residents returning home
As of this coming Tuesday, entry will be permitted only for "Singapore residents and long-term pass holders", who will need to serve out a 14-day Stay at Home Notice upon arrival and provide proof of the place where they will serve the SHN, for example a hotel booking covering the entire period, or a place of residence they or their family members own."
Work-pass holders and their dependents will only be allowed entry if they work in "essential services, such as in healthcare and transport," although the Government says this could also include foreign domestic helpers who are needed to look after children or the elderly.
The Ministry of Health reports that almost 80% of new Covid-19 cases over the past three days were "imported", mostly via returning Singapore residents and work pass holders.
How long will Changi's transit ban last?
"This is an unprecedented crisis," said National Development Minister Lawrence Wong at a media briefing on Sunday morning. "During this time, we have to focus our resources on returning Singaporeans."
Wong was unable to say how long the ban on short-stay visitors and travellers in transit would remain in place.
"No-one will know how long this current wave of imported cases we are experiencing will last for. It depends on how long the outbreak is going to continue in Europe and America, which are now the new epicentres for the virus outbreak. It (also) depends on how long more we will see returning Singaporeans coming back, so we will monitor on a day by day basis."
Changi lounge closures
Qantas will make its last flight to Singapore on Saturday March 28, with the arrival of QF2 from London en route to Sydney. The long-standing Kangaroo Route will then be paused, along with the rest of Qantas' international network, until at least the end of May.
The highly-regarded Qantas Singapore First lounge, along with the popular Qantas Singapore Business Lounge, will then be closed.
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
22 Mar 2020
Total posts 4
My husband is currently in Auckland supposed to be flying to UK on Singapore airlines via Singapore on Tuesday. Does this Transit ban now include him? Is he now stuck in New Zealand for the duration? He has been in NZ on holiday for the past 8 weeks and rerouted to return to UK earlier and so far has received no notification that he cannot transit at Singapore. He needs to urgently know what the situation is? Should he start his journey on Tuesday his flight has been confirmed along with his seat reservation - what should he do now?
29 Jul 2019
Total posts 2
He should call his airline to see his options. It's terrible he couldn't get an earlier flight.
22 Mar 2020
Total posts 4
Singapore Airlines don't have a local ticketing office in Auckland and he's already changed his flight but yes I agree he needs to call the airline which he trying to do - not that easy to get through!
22 Mar 2020
Total posts 4
How does this work if you're in Singapore already?
I'm due to fly from Perth to the UK tomorrow afternoon and arrive in Singapore shortly before these restrictions are put in place. However, due to the vastly reduced services my connecting flight isnt until 9am Tuesday morning
Is there a risk of being unable to travel out from Singapore when these restrictions are put in place while I wait for my connection?
23 Mar 2020
Total posts 2
My sister must be on the same flights as you, and we are also stressing because there is a lack of clarity on what happens once she is at Singapore , with a change of terminal also required for her 0900 am flight to London, and if this is still possible
22 Mar 2020
Total posts 4
Yeah sounds like we're in the same boat, I'm gonna try and get in touch with the embassy in Singapore today to see if they know any more
British Airways - Executive Club
23 Mar 2018
Total posts 14
According to British Airways, this ban does not include passengers who are just changing planes in the same terminal. It only affects passengers who are on separate bookings entering the country to collect bags and then re-check in etc.
I've just been on the phone to them as I'm due to fly BA16 to London on Friday. There is no issue with this flight stopping to refuel in Singapore. Anyone flying Singapore Airlines would be ok if they are just moving from one flight to another on the same booking with no terminal change.
24 Oct 2010
Total posts 2561
According to Changi Airport, the ban "includes passengers who are transferring flights and not leaving the transit area".
24 Mar 2020
Total posts 1
Hi
I am trying to get my daughter back from Sydney and I have now booked her on BA16 to Heathrow on Monday 30th March, I can't get through to BA, could you let me know if you get any more information about whether she can transit (change planes) or whether you manage to check in for your flight please?
Many thanks
25 Mar 2020
Total posts 2
Hi there
I am trying to get back from Australia and can see flights are still on BA's official website but all pass through Singapore. I know you have said above you spoke with them but can you provide more detail on this conversation you had? I am nervously deciding what is best as I am travelling alone. Have they provided you with an update since? Much appreciate the feedback, thanks
22 Mar 2020
Total posts 4
I have spoken to Singapore airlines and have been advised to call again tomorrow morning as even their call centres are not completely clear on the protocol. Anyone who knows anymore information please post it. Thank you.
23 Mar 2020
Total posts 1
Is there any issue for passenger just switching Singapore Airlines planes in Singapore ( baggage checked in till destination ) the flights landing in terminal 1 and departing in Terminal 3. Pls comment
Qantas
03 Feb 2016
Total posts 11
The advice i have received this evening is, from 2359 on Tuesday nil transit passengers are allowed, only citizens and permanent residents.
British Airways - Executive Club
23 Mar 2018
Total posts 14
All I can say is what BA told me yesterday on the phone and that is that you can still change planes in the same terminal on the same booking, so long as you are not entering Singapore to collect bags and re-check in. In other words, the ban applies to short term visitors who are entering the country either to visit or to transit to another flight. Qantas are still flying through Singapore on QF1/2 until Saturday 28th March and so that would imply that this is correct.
In regard to changing terminals (on the same booking), I THINK that is ok if BA are definitely correct.
Exec Traveller team- do you have any way of finding out more detailed information about this?
23 Mar 2020
Total posts 2
Anyone had anything definitive from SIA? Have a SIA flight later this week from NZ back to London, 2 hrs transit (Terminal 3) in Singapore, UK passport. Just confused about the wording "All short-term visitors: No entry or transit through Singapore" - am I a "short-term visitor" to Singapore if I never leave the transit lounge? Can't get through to SIA on phone and don't think they'll want to talk to me as they seem to only have capacity to handle people travelling in next 24 hrs. Thanks.
23 Mar 2020
Total posts 5
Executive Traveler please correct this article. It seems fairly clear that this is a ban for short term entry not transfer through the airport. It's important to be accurate this type of mistake could potentially do harm to people. Imagine someone seeing this, calling off their travel home plans and feeling their only option was to shelter in place in a country that is very unsafe(this was about to happen for my elderly parents as they saw this article).
Google Singapore airlines restrictions and you should be able to find a direct link to the travel restriction.
24 Oct 2010
Total posts 2561
We contacted Changi Airport yesterday; according to Changi Airport, the ban "includes passengers who are transferring flights and not leaving the transit area". In addition, we also have calls in to both Singapore's Ministry of Health and British Airways for further background from each.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
27 Jun 2017
Total posts 9
Changiairport Website says.
ADVISORY ON COVID-19
Inbound Passengers to Changi Airport
Passengers with recent travel history in the last 14 days to the following areas are to note the following border control measures from the Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH):
No entry or transit through Singapore for all Short-Term Visitors, with limited entry for Work-Pass Holders.
Singapore's Ministry of Manpower will only allow the entry/ return of Work-Pass Holders, including their dependents, for those providing essential services, such as in healthcare and transport.
[From 23 March 2020, 2359 hours]
All other countries and regions
14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN)
23 Mar 2020
Total posts 5
I read short term visitor as a visa designation. I also didn't, and don't, see any other news reporting on it and this would qualify as big news if indeed it was that the airport was closed to non-essential transit. Yikes I hope to get it cleared up quickly it is very difficult to get through to anyone. Thank you for the quick response
23 Mar 2020
Total posts 2
Have spoken to SIA. They confirmed Changi is closed to transit passengers (unless you have residency or the appropriate pass).
23 Mar 2020
Total posts 2
SQ not impressed - cancelled flight then rebooked now airport is closed. Spent over 2 hours trying to get through to the airline. No information from airline so frustrated why oh why do they try to get the people who are flying in the next few days home they are using smaller planes just put on a 380 and get us home
British Airways - Executive Club
23 Mar 2018
Total posts 14
Maybe BA15/16 and QF1/2 have a way around it, seeing as they are the same flight, hence the advice BA gave to me.
23 Mar 2020
Total posts 3
I spoke to someone from Singapore Airlines earlier on the phone. I told him I'd seen this article but not had any notification of cancellation of my flight from Adelaide - London via Singapore tomorrow (Tuesday 24th). I asked if I could still board my flight and he said no because Singapore borders are closing tonight at midnight.
23 Mar 2020
Total posts 5
Does anyone have any more info on this please . My son has been travelling in Aus and I literally booked his flight home with Singapore airlines about 2 hrs ago . He is due to fly sydney - singapore tomorrow afternoon arrives in Singapore at 9.20pm . Change planes then fly out of singapore 9am wednesday morning to heathrow . Surely they would not of let me book this if he could not change planes .What is likely to happen when he arrives in Singapore if they wont let him board his next flight !!! . This is a nightmare for everyone
22 Mar 2020
Total posts 4
Hi Val,
Looking at the news I think it's highly unlikely that your son will be able to make either of those flights as the border restrictions are due to be put in place tonight. Also, this was posted on Channel News Asia this morning at 9am (local time) saying that most of the Singapore Airlines services are to be suspended: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/business/covid-19-singapore-airlines-suspend-flights-coronavirus-12566248
Might be a good idea to try and get into direct contact with the British embassy in Singapore as they will be able to give you some official government advice and will be more in touch with the developing situation. I've tried myself but yet to get through and have sent them an email
These are some hugely strange and stressful times, stay safe
British Airways - Executive Club
23 Mar 2018
Total posts 14
BA15/16 still showing as operating. QF1 cancelled tomorrow but interestingly QF2 still operating tomorrow evening (albeit delayed). I'm really interested to know if there is any loophole for these flights, as they do not actually involve changing planes. Maybe they can keep the passengers onboard during the Singapore stop?
vall965- unfortunately, it does not sound like your son will be able to travel on those flights. He would be refused boarding in Australia if all the information on this site is correct.
23 Mar 2020
Total posts 2
We have just spent $4000 for two one way flights home via Joburg. Not happy about the money at all but glad to be able to get home. Gone through a Travel Agent this time - forget going straight to the Airline. Such a poor experience with Singapore Airlines
23 Mar 2020
Total posts 5
I booked the flight through expedia only 3.5 hrs ago , surely they knew about this before they sold the flight . I have tried calling singapore airlines & now im hold to expedia.au for 60 minutes so far . Even if i find him another flight i wont get my money back for ages . God i just want him home . I have 1 child stuck in Aus & the other one is a nurse on a Covid ward over here .grrrrrrrr
British Airways - Executive Club
23 Mar 2018
Total posts 14
Stay positive. Expedia might be able to rebook on a different route. There may also be a cooling off period of 24 hours which there sometimes is. Seems transmitting in Hong Kong is one of the last few remaining options for flights between the UK and Australia, although I can see this changing in the next day or two as well.
23 Mar 2020
Total posts 3
Yep. HK is closing now too
23 Mar 2020
Total posts 5
Or flight was just cancelled. It was dps sin SFO. Hope this helps someone.
23 Mar 2020
Total posts 3
How were you informed about this? Thanks
23 Mar 2020
Total posts 5
Via email but there's 10 of us and only 1 got that email. The flights are still showing as confirmed even mine with the email cancellation but more and more news is showing that Singapore Changi is closing to transfer. I suggest calling or finding a ticket counter. Be advised that calling will likely put u on hold for a long time. It was 4.5hrs for us on Thursday I imagine more now
23 Mar 2020
Total posts 3
Thank you for responding. Im just waiting for our flight (Adelaide- Singapore- London tomorrow) to be cancelled. But still havent heard anything. Even though Ive spoken to someone from Singapore Air who said we cannot enter Singapore in transit as of tonight at midnight. Everything is so vague!
23 Mar 2020
Total posts 2
My sister has just been advised by the British consulate in Perth not to travel back to the uk , with her flight leaving Perth 17:30 today, which would have arrived in Singapore over an hour prior to the deadline for the transit ban. So you'd think getting there in time would mean you're safe to wait for connecting flight 11 hrs later to London , but the British consulate said they do not advise her to board the plane to Singapore for many reasons. And the No answer from Singapore airlines Is a loud reply , know what I mean.
23 Mar 2020
Total posts 4
They were right. You wouldn't have been able to get the second flight if it was past the 2359 deadline.
22 Mar 2020
Total posts 4
I was due to get the same flight as your sister and opted to stay for the same reasons
Even without the risk of planes out getting cancelled, you're still in a mass transit hub for 11 hours where you have a very high chance of bringing the virus home
23 Mar 2020
Total posts 5
I havent received any email cancelling my sons yet either , but I know he wont be on it . I have managed to get a flight with Cathy Pacific to London via Honk Kong . I am going to call my bank and see if they can cancel the payment for the original flight as i booked it on my credit card . Have been on hold to expedia for 2 hrs now so give up on that . I hope you all manage to get sorted as well , get home safely everyone .
23 Mar 2020
Total posts 4
After my US plans fell through due to route cancellations (zero notifications from Virgin Atlantic or the operator Virgin Australia about the situation) , I booked for SYD > LHR on Wednesday with Singapore Airlines. I never got a confirmation email when booking. There has been no email to say that the flights will be cancelled due to no transit in SIN (which I only found out by accident). And yet 3hrs ago they send me a "check in reminder" email!
It seems the IT systems of airlines are totally inadequate to cope with this volume of changes.
23 Mar 2020
Total posts 3
My son is at Brisbane airport right now and the Singapore Airlines flight tonight is still showing as OK but it lands at 5am on 24th. I bought another ticket routing through Abu Dhabi when I saw the news about Singapore and hs is going to use that but he still hasn't heard anything from Sing Air
24 Mar 2020
Total posts 5
My parents are stuck in Christchurch and I am trying to get them out. Air NZ let me book a Singapore airlines codeshare flight just 3 hours ago that transits via Singapore to LHR. Would they still be taking flight bookings for impossible routes?
25 Mar 2020
Total posts 1
I am also meant to get that same flight out of Brisbane and i am seeing it is still showing as 'on time'. however i dot think it will go ahead. I think is also a mistake to buy another ticket at the point. As Abu Dhabi airport closed as of the 24th and the same with Dubai. I checked previous to booking my flight through Singapore.
one option is maybe through USA or i see some people travelling through Johannesburg. or there may be British airways flights leaving from Sydney next week. Refuelling in Singapore, then onto London. Meaning the passengers wont even leave the plane. But id make sure to research this before booking anything as you could just be in a vicious circle of buying flights, flights being cancelled, losing money or waiting months to get a refund.
01 Apr 2014
Total posts 113
He won't be allowed to transit SIN - only Singaporean residents now allowed. Etihad via Abu Dhabi (and Emirates via Dubai) should be OK for next 2 days, as the UAE transit ban doesn't come into effect until 23:59 hrs on 25th March. Qatar via Doha still OK for now for continuing transit passengers, as long as they have not been in one of the high risk countries.
23 Mar 2020
Total posts 3
He is fine now, enroute on the Etihad flight, just in time. But still nothing from Singapore Airlines or at the airport about the other flight routing through Singapore. Feel for those that turn up without realizing. HK and UAE will be closed by the time tomorrows flights are due to land
23 Mar 2020
Total posts 2
I booked a flight from Brisbane to London Heathrow via Singapore. Quantas and then BA . I booked it at 8.30pm this evening. Surely I wouldnt have been able to book it if it wasnt possible to transit in Singapore
01 Apr 2014
Total posts 113
Annedu - the flight might still be operating to SIN, but only for Singaporean residents. It's been made very clear that no transit passengers are allowed starting in about 3.5hrs from now (2am BNE time 24/03). Given the current rapidly changing schedules and entry restrictions, chances are airline reserveation systems have not been updated. Don't assume that the airline system will pick it up based on your passport details entered - if the aircraft is perating, it will likley allow a booking, but it's on you to check entry (or in this case transit) requirments. If the SYD-DXB flights on EK are still running, you might be best to go with that option, but be quick as there is only 48hrs left for UAE transits, including Etihad via Abu Dhabi.
23 Mar 2020
Total posts 2
I booked the flight this evening when Emirates announced my flight was cancelled via Dubai. Leaving Brisbane on 24th and arriving in Dubai eary am.
24 Mar 2020
Total posts 5
Emirates have really dropped the customer service ball this week.
They were showing EK413 on 24th as on time for 8 hours after they cancelled it.
24 Mar 2020
Total posts 7
my son booked on BA16 and Cathay on 29th. Cathay now a non starter. BA - unclear as to whether airside transfer is permitted as opposed to standard transit. Trying now to speak to Sydney BA as London keeps referring me to FCO advisory. Refuelling without disembarking apparently depends on the grade of fuel so I've given up on tracking that one down. Thai Airways demands a certificate of health proving 14 days of isolation prior to doctor visit, so a non starter for a backpacker. I am pinning my hopes on BA.
24 Mar 2020
Total posts 1
I contacted Singaporean consulate and they said that Changi is closed for ALL travelers including transits (doesn't matter same terminal or not). Only those with particular work passes and Singaporean citizens/residents are allowed. Otherwise, no go. I hate it that they made last minute split decisions EVERY single time (every week now) and always on Sunday and effective immediately. Leaving people stranded and they do NOT care...
24 Mar 2020
Total posts 7
BA just confirmed they can't transit in Singapore, Flight 016 Sydney to London 'currently under review', - not looking good.
24 Mar 2020
Total posts 1
I am on this flight, where does it say under review? I havent recieved anything
British Airways - Executive Club
23 Mar 2018
Total posts 14
Interesting both QF2 and BA15 have both just left London enroute to Singapore. They are both still scheduled to continue onto Sydney this evening. I am so confused.
23 Mar 2015
Total posts 5
QF2 departures from 23 March are flying LHR/DRW/SYD, but this is not currently reflected in the flight tracking websites. Similarly, QF1 departures from 24 March are flying SYD/DRW/LHR.
24 Mar 2020
Total posts 7
yes I saw that rwSydney. That would entail transit past the deadline. Makes no sense. Will check Sydney arrivals...
24 Mar 2020
Total posts 3
Hi team
Any idea of any way to get my mum back from Australia to the UK if all airports are banning transit? UK says she must go home - but we cant get her there!
20 Oct 2015
Total posts 245
Lucy, there are reports that BA is still running BA15 to Sydney via Singapore but simply making this a 'fuel stop' and not letting passengers off, which seems to be permitted. But BA is expected to announce massive cutbacks to its flights this week, in line with what all of the other big airlines have done, so I would not be booking BA15 with them right now.
Flying from London, Qantas still has QF2 and QF9 for a few days so you could try that. But if she's not ready to go in the next 2-3 days, after which the Qantas flights won't be available, I would suggest looking at Qatar Airways, which for the time being is still flying from London to Australia via Doha. Malaysia Airlines is another option. Also try Korean Air, Asiana, Japan Airlines and ANA.
24 Mar 2020
Total posts 1
Im in the same boat, Im currently stuck in Brisbane trying to get back to London asap. I was booked on a Etihad flight for 02/04 transiting through UAE, but all non residents have been told not to fly through. I assume this means even if just changing planes. Any ideas how we can get home??
24 Mar 2020
Total posts 3
Literally no idea.
No transit through Sing, Hong Kong, UAE, Malaysia, the list will only get longer. Qantas are not showing any flights from Perth direct, or Darwin direct - those were the last 2 options for no transit through. I am trying to get some insider knowledge form a friend of a friend who works for flight center - will let you know if anything pops up.
Hope you have somewhere to stay! at least mum can stay with me for now - until i have to lock her away in the garden shed for talking too much ......... (shes been here for 6 weeks already :) )
07 Jan 2011
Total posts 53
Japan is looking like the best bet to get back to the UK. Most other countries have stopped transits.
23 Mar 2020
Total posts 5
Singapore airlines (I was scheduled to fly through Changi) re routed us several times sending eticket after eticket finally through Japan. Going through Jakarta first. Anyway if Singapore airlines dropped the ball pay attention to your emails. Also for some Americans trapped abroad the state department is helping according to the new York Times but I understand that it's not that many people they are actually helping I don't know if it's true or not. I'm traveling with my 2 small kids and elderly parents and short on time I need to go. Good luck everyone
24 Mar 2020
Total posts 7
Ok so my son went to Sydney airport to get clarification from BA. They are in negotiation with Singapore. Today''s flight could only disembark singapore bound passengers and take new passengers on in Singapore. No through passengers. They are doing their best to negotiate for through passengers and won't cancel unless they legally have to but things change daily as we know.
24 Mar 2020
Total posts 3
I've been told Japan is only doing transit London to Brisbane, not the other way. No idea why.
Bunker down guys! At least Australia is sunny :)
23 Mar 2020
Total posts 5
25 Mar 2020
Singapore
Changi Intl
25 Mar 2020
London
Heathrow
25 Mar 2020
Singapore
Changi Intl
25 Mar 2020
London
Heathrow
23 Mar 2020
Total posts 5
The schedule above is what i have just received via email , now i am even more confused . If my son can not transit in singapore at 09.00 on 25th how can he do it at 12.45 when thate even later in the day . was anyone else booked on this flight and have they received this email . Thanks
25 Mar 2020
Total posts 2
HI All,
According to SkyNews as well as BBC news, Raab has agreed with Singapore to allow Brits to transit through their airport on a way back home. Get on the phones to your airlines and push for them to at least reserve your seats.
We have just managed to reserve with Singapore Airlines but IT IS NOT CONFIRMED UNLESS THEY HAVE RECEIVED UPDATE FROM THE SINGAPORE GOVERNMENT.
Hope this helps
25 Mar 2020
Total posts 3
Following the discussion regarding BA flights Sydney-London (with stop for fuel in Singapore) if that is affected by the bans for transit. If anyone gets further confirmation, please post !
rwSydney apparently has got confirmed from BA that it will be allowed for stop to fuel.
rostrevor has got confirmed that BA is negotiating with Singapore, I understood that was also including BA flight Sydney-London for stop to fuel?
My daughter and her friend are booked 31th of March on that flight so I am keen to find any confirmation on this.
25 Mar 2020
Total posts 1
Same, my daughter is booked on the 28th Sydney via sing to London. Hopefully BA clairfy this
24 Mar 2020
Total posts 7
If you are stuck in Oz please join FB group Get us home from Australia. Only set up this morning and over 1000 members who have pooled together to lobby MPS and all media outlets. (UK) hence Sky and BBC coverage. BA Sydney-London left yesterday with only 13 passengers as through passengers not allowed on. Only drop off and pick up.BA was negotiating with Singapore to fly them out tomorrow Oz time. Will update when I know more. Raab has organised Singapore transit for future repatriation flights but not clear if commercial flights included.
23 Mar 2020
Total posts 4
What an absolute freaking mess this is. Total lack of communication from all involved.
When I saw the SIN transit ban I cancelled my Singapore Airlines SYD>SIN>LHR flight for today, and booked for tomorrow with Qatar Airlines (£1000 more), I'm gonna be pretty p****ed off if they now change their minds and allow transit through SIN.
25 Mar 2020
Total posts 2
Who is your source rostrevor? This sort of innacurate unsubstantiated information sharing is of no help to anyone. We spoke to BA last night and they confirmed that yesterday's Syd-Lon flight went through with no issues and included through passengers who disembarked briefly for the re-fuel and then continued on to London. The agent also said that if anything changed we would receive an email. Also overnight an agreement has been reached with Changi airport to allow transits through to allow people to return home. All of this is verified information (see BBC and Sky news).
Best of luck to everyone getting home.
24 Oct 2010
Total posts 2561
Duncse, reports by other readers here about the Singapore stopover problems for BA15/BA16 are spot on. I've been in contact with passengers and crew at both ends. For the past two days, from London (BA15) and Sydney (BA16) , only passengers bound for Singapore and who meet Singapore's new entry requirements (citizen or approved work-pass holder) have been allowed to board the flight; and from Singapore, BA could carry only passengers headed for Sydney (on BA15) or London (on BA16). No passengers went all the way through from London to Sydney or voice versa. So while you're quite correct in saying the flight itself has gone through, not all the passengers have.
25 Mar 2020
Total posts 2
Hi Duncse
We have been checking with Singapore Airlines every couple of hours, but they don't seem to have received any update regarding the agreement between UK and SIN. Tried twitter to press FCO and Raab to confirm. No luck there though. If anyone heard anything, please post on here.
Many thanks
24 Mar 2020
Total posts 7
Duncle. Not insubstantiated. My son has been at the BA counter yesterday at the airport with over 100 brits who had not been allowed to board and were told to come back today. I think that BA customer service at the airport is a better source than a travel agent. His friend was due to fly today and just returned to hostel having been told to come back tomorrow. Negotiations are ongoing with Singapore and I am keeping everything crossed that it is resolved. I watched Raab's statement in Parliament. He only mentioned agreement with Singapore re future repatriation. This is what is causing confusion. Good luck to all. My final post.
25 Mar 2020
Total posts 2
My daughter was at Heathrow last night too (Tues evening 24th) trying to get to Sydney on BA015 and was also told that they were hoping the agreement with Singapore re brief refuelling stop would have come through in time but it didn't. She got the last seat for tonight's flight to try again. She said BA were hopeful that an agreement will be sorted in time but we are not holding our breath.
24 Mar 2020
Total posts 7
From Imogen currently at Sydney airport: "Anyone on British Airways flights - Currently at Sydney airport, as far as we are aware no BA flights leaving today. They are working hard to try and get the flights from today and yesterday home potentially tomorrow. Will have more updates in 40mins. Hopefully that means tomorrow's flight and so on might be ok? These are not 100% facts, just relaying what we have been told so far. BA are apparently working hard to give us a solution."
Pass info to your travel agents!
24 Oct 2010
Total posts 2561
For those asking about BA15/BA16, it appears we'll see a 'gas and go stop – without allowing any passengers on or off the plane: a bit more on this at https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/british-airways-ba15-ba16-london-singapore-sydney
25 Mar 2020
Total posts 2
Ah my apologies rostrevor, so much information floating around it's so hard to know what to believe but thanks for the further information. It sounds like some positive news has been confirmed re BA gas & go. Every time we think we're going to get home something else pops up but hopefully it's for real this time.
Best of luck to all
25 Mar 2020
Total posts 2
Just to confirm, BA015 is definitely flying through to Sydney this evening (25th). My daughter has just checked in and will not be getting off in Singapore.
14 Apr 2020
Total posts 6
It's misleading and deceptive because Singapore Airlines budget brand Scoot are now selling tickets online for the 1st May and not mentioning the fact only Singaporeans or long term pass holders can use them. Why do they need to ban transit passengers when most imported cases come from Singaporeans and pass holders returning to SIngapore?
17 Jan 2018
Total posts 83
-44% yoy GDP growth. When is Singapore going to wake up? They risk losing Regional hub status if they dont.
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Singapore now bans airport transit passengers as well as visitors