S' pore, HK agree to set up air travel bubble which allows leisure travel without need for quarantine: Ong Ye Kung

SINGAPORE - Singapore has announced its first two-way air travel bubble with Hong Kong, paving the way for leisure and other forms of travel between both places.

This means that people will be able to travel between the two locations without the need to be quarantined, subject to conditions including testing negative for Covid-19.

Details are still being worked out, but people could be travelling between both places in several weeks.

Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung on Thursday (Oct 15) called the move a small but significant step for the two aviation hubs, adding that the agreement set the model for more partnerships to come to revive air travel.

Noting that both countries posed a low risk of Covid-19 transmission, he said: &ldquo The risk of a Hong Konger bringing the virus into Changi (Airport) is not very different from someone coming from Jurong.&rdquo

Under the agreement, travellers will likely be tested before they depart.

There will be no restrictions on segments of the population, itinerary or purpose of travel.

Asked what precautions will be taken to safeguard Singapore from a spike in cases in Hong Kong or other places, Mr Ong said: &ldquo There should be a common understanding. We all want to control the virus and the epidemic, but should there be unforeseen circumstances, a spike. I think we will have to suspend (the arrangement).&rdquo

He added that this was an initiative which would be done progressively, cautiously, steadily, and safely.

&ldquo But we have to open up our aviation sector. We have to try,&rdquo   he stressed.

&ldquo Both of us are important aviation hubs. We both know that the aviation hub concerns the entire economy, not just the aviation industry.&rdquo