The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), the country’s aviation regulator, has approved at least three more airlines to resume transit services at Changi Airport this month.
Garuda Indonesia, Lufthansa, and Swiss, are among the carriers now allowed to feed passengers on to Singapore Airlines and Silkair flights and vice versa, according to the Straits Times.
Jetstar Asia also resumed transit services last month as the last Singapore-based carrier, following SIA, Silkair, and Scoot, to do so.
As part of Changi airport’s revamped transit process during Covid-19, travellers are escorted to a designated holding area, pre-booked transit hotel, or connecting gate, upon arrival depending on the duration of their layover.
Holding areas feature snooze areas, entertainment, and the option to purchase refreshments and duty-free items, according to Changi Airport.
“CAAS evaluates airlines’ applications to operate transfer routes taking into consideration the measures that the airlines propose to put in place to manage the risk of transmission at Changi Airport,” a CAAS spokesperson told the Straits Times.
“Approval will be given only when we have ensured that the safety and well-being of passengers and airport staff are safeguarded.”
In the 11 months to November 2020, Changi Airport handled 11.6 million passengers. This compares to 2019, when the airport, one of the world’s busiest, saw 68.3 million travellers, according to its operator.
