“Strong demand” and “good business growth potential”, according to a Singapore Airlines spokesperson, were compelling reasons for an increase in frequency between Singapore and the Middle East.
From December 14, SIA will begin four time weekly flights to Riyadh via Dubai on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, bumping up Dubai flights to 20 times a week. The spokesperson added: "We see Riyadh becoming a focal point of travel and trade for visitors to Saudi Arabia."
SIA has also increased Istanbul flights from four to six flights weekly.
Frequencies in Asia-Pacific, however, went south with “adjustments during the Northern Winter schedule”, as the carrier described moves taken on several sectors. Flights to Penang will now be 18 weekly and to Ho Chi Minh, 17 weekly; flights SQ608 (Singapore-Seoul) and SQ609 (Seoul-Singapore) will be reduced; Osaka will be served once a day by SQ618 (Singapore-Osaka) and SQ617 (Osaka-Singapore), while SQ622 and SQ621 will be suspended; flights to Bangalore and Chennai are also minimised but the cities will continue to enjoy daily service.
Service to Amritsar will cease from February 4, 2009, and customers booked on flights to and from the destinations will be re-accommodated on SIA flights to and from Delhi.
Also in February 2009, SIA will link its Cape Town flights to Johannesberg, with no change in frequency. The Cape Town extension will operate on three flights weekly, while the daily service to Joannesburg is maintained.
For more details, visit www.singaporeair.com.
Margie T Logarta
