Jetstar passengers departing from six Asian cities will be able to connect onwards to other destinations across the region next month.
Beginning December 1, Jetstar Asia will restart transit services via Singapore for passengers flying from Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Phnom Penh to other destinations where the low-cost carrier operates.
Jetstar Asia, a Singapore franchise of its Australian parent, currently flies a pared-down route network of eight destinations in the region. A ninth route, Surabaya, will come in December, according to its website.
To qualify for connecting flights, passengers must book their entire journey under one booking, with a layover in Singapore of no longer than 48 hours. In addition, they will be subject to special measures, according to a Jetstar notice.
This includes wristbands that need to be worn throughout the journey for identification. Transit passengers will also be seated towards the front of the aircraft to maintain separation between non-transit passengers. Upon arrival in Singapore, those transiting will be escorted to a designated holding area, pre-booked transit hotel, or connecting gate, depending on the layover duration.
Transit holding areas in Singapore feature sterilised snooze areas, entertainment, and the ability to purchase meals and duty-free items, according to Changi Airport.
Since June, the Singapore government has allowed travellers on certain airlines and itineraries to transit through Changi Airport. Jetstar Asia is the fourth carrier to offer this service after Singapore Airlines, SilkAir, and Scoot.
Transit traffic will play a key role in Jetstar Asia’s recovery, reported Channel News Asia, citing the airline’s chief executive Bara Pasupathi.
“Pre-Covid, transit and transfer passengers accounted for up to a third of Changi Airport’s passenger traffic and many of these passengers travelled and transited on Jetstar Asia flights,” said Pasupathi.
Last month, just over 98,000 passengers travelled through Changi Airport, a decrease of 98.3 per cent year-on-year. Prior to the pandemic, Changi Airport was one of the world’s busiest hubs, handling 68.3 million passengers in 2019, according to its website.
