Rising COVID cases burst HK-SG travel bubble again

The May 26 target date has been further postponed, this time as a result of rising case numbers in Singapore.

The Singapore and Hong Kong governments have decided to defer the inaugural flights for the air travel bubble (ATB), scheduled on 26 May, in light of rising COVID-19 cases in Singapore.

“Both sides remain strongly committed to launching the ATB safely,” the Ministry of Transport in Singapore said in a statement.

“However, in light of the recent increase in unlinked community cases, Singapore is unable to meet the criteria to start the Singapore-Hong Kong ATB.”

Read also: SG-HK air travel bubble to start (again) on 26 May

The Singapore and Hong Kong governments had announced in April that the ATB would open on 26 May after it was delayed for the first time in November last year. That delay was due to the fourth wave of outbreak in Hong Kong.

Read also: Singapore-Hong Kong air travel bubble hits further turbulence

Enhanced anti-epidemic measures have been put in place in Singapore, starting last 16 May and to be in place until 13 June.

The tightened measures were meant to prevent the transmission of the virus following reports of infections and unlinked community cases.

The Singapore Ministry of Transport noted that the new launch date of the ATB flights will be announced towards the end of Phase 2 (Heightened Alert) in the country.

According to the Ministry of Health, there were 459 active cases in Singapore, as of 17 May. Of which, 246 are in community facilities, 213 are hospitalised.

Travellers still have the option to continue on non-designated ATB flights. However, they will be subjected to the prevailing border control and quarantine measures in both places.

Meanwhile, Singapore residents returning from Hong Kong will be subject to a 7-day stay-home notice upon entry in Singapore.