The New Zealand Aviation Coalition is welcoming Singapore’s decision to open its border to Kiwis from September 1.
Singapore announced on August 21 that it will not require anyone who has been in New Zealand for 14 days before their flight to go into self-isolation on arrival.
Instead, travellers will undergo a COVID-19 test at the airport and only be allowed to go about their activities in Singapore after receiving a negative test result.
Justin Tighe-Umbers says the move by Singapore is indicative of what is starting to happen around the world.
“The world is working out how to live with COVID-19,” he says. “New Zealand will lose international connectivity with airlines pulling out unless it keeps abreast of what its competitors are doing and considers the implications.
“Once airlines pull out it will be extremely hard to compete to get them back and that will have major impacts for the price of tickets for travellers and for exporters relying on air freight.”
The International Air Transport Association is urging other states in the region to look at ways to resume international travel safely, including through the implementation of travel bubbles.
Meanwhile, a new COVID test centre is ready to start rapid testing of inbound passengers arriving at Heathrow airport’s Terminal 2, as soon as the government gives it the go-ahead. Arrivals would find out results within 24 hours of being tested, replacing the need for a 14-day quarantine.
And in Dubai, travellers who arrive with a negative COVID-19 test don’t need to quarantine.
