Singapore: National airlines further reduce flights March-May 2020 /update 1

Event

National airline carrier Singapore Airlines and its subsidiary SilkAir announced a further 10 percent reduction in flight services between March and end of May 2020, due to a fall in demand amid an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19). Several thousand flights to various locations, including the US, Europe, and across Asia have been canceled. Further adjustments may occur over the coming days and weeks. Affected customers will be notified and re-accommodated onto other flights. More information can be found on the Singapore Airlines website here.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On February 28, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the risk of spread and the risk of impact of the virus is "very high" at the global level.

Advice

Potentially impacted travelers are advised to confirm flight reservations and to contact the airlines for additional information.