SIA delays launch of new route

It was supposed to link Singapore to Jakarta and Sydney.

Singapore flag-carrier has announced the postponement of the launching of a new route that will link the city-state to Jakarta and Sydney.

To recall, SIA announced that it planned to launch new three-times-weekly Singapore-Jakarta-Sydney flights on 23 November 2016. The Indonesian civil aviation authorities had issued SIA written approval, and SIA had secured the necessary airport slots.

However, the airlines has been informed by the Indonesian civil aviation authorities that they are now unable to approve the flights due to runway maintenance works at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, which also affect other airlines.

"SIA will progressively contact customers with bookings on this route and help put them on other flights. The Airline apologises for the inconvenience caused to our customers," SIA said in an announcement.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore stated in another statement that it is aware of the postponement.

"We hope the Indonesian civil aviation authorities can give approval for this new service as soon as possible so that it can be launched," CAAS noted.

The authority said this new service would enhance air connectivity between Singapore, Jakarta and Sydney, which will facilitate people and trade flows between these cities.