Singapore: Additional restrictions June 10-14 amid Trump-Kim Summit /update 3

Event

Special measures have been taken ahead of a meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean Leader Kim Jung-un, scheduled to take place in Singapore on Tuesday, June 12. The summit is set to begin at 09:00 (local time) at the Capella Hotel on Sentosa Island.

Traffic and other restrictions will be in place between Sunday, June 10, and Thursday, June 14, in parts of the city-state. This zone - within which both leaders are expected to stay at hotels - includes the neighborhoods of Tanglin, Newton, and Orchard. Heightened security measures such as road closures, increased security personnel deployments, and identity checks are expected.

Additionally, airspace restrictions will be in place June 11-13. Planes arriving at Singapore Changi International Airport (SIN) will be required to reduce their speed and adhere to restrictions on the runway. Moreover, planes will be forbidden to fly in the Paya Lebar Air Base zone. These restrictions could lead to flight disruptions (delays) at SIN.

Context

The summit was initially confirmed by the White House in early March and preparations have been underway since. The summit was then canceled on May 24 by the US before being reinstated earlier this week. Singapore was likely chosen because it maintains diplomatic relations with both North Korea and the US, and has been the site of other high-profile summits.

Relations between the two Koreas and the US seem to be entering into a period of (rocky) détente following a historic meeting between Kim and the South Korean president in April 2018 in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) located along the shared border.

Advice

Individuals present in Singapore during the June 12 summit are advised to anticipate heightened security measures throughout the city and increased traffic congestion (particularly at major travel hubs) and allow for additional travel time. Adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.