From June, carriers will get to fly to six new destinations in
Malaysia
The addition of new air links between Singapore and
Malaysia, and the increase in flights to existing markets, are
expected to further develop Singapore's reputation as a travel hub
for the region. Budget airlines are expected to benefit from the
moves.
BUDGET-CONSCIOUS travellers can look forward to more low-cost
flights and new air links between Singapore and popular
destinations in Malaysia.
Carriers on both sides have been given the green light to
operate between Singapore and six new destinations in Malaysia -
Ipoh, Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan, Malacca, Sandakan and Tawau.
The move is also expected to further develop Singapore's
reputation as a travel hub for the region.
Officials from both nations, who met here yesterday, also agreed
to bump up the number of services to Penang, Langkawi, Kuching and
Kota Kinabalu, the Transport Ministry said in a statement.
The lifting of restrictions, with effect from June, is expected
to benefit consumers and boost the economies on both sides of the
Causeway.
It follows several rounds of liberalisation that started in
February last year, when low-cost carriers Tiger Airways, Jetstar
Asia and AirAsia were given the all-clear to operate a limited
number of Singapore-Kuala Lumpur services. Prior to that, the route
had been dominated by Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Malaysia
Airlines for more than three decades.
All restrictions on the Singapore-KL route were lifted last
December.
In November last year, the two governments also agreed to the
partial opening of the Singapore-East Malaysia sector.
The opening of the new destinations and more flights to existing
markets are expected to benefit the budget airlines, which for
years have been pushing for more access between the two
countries.
Now that the governments have signed the expanded air services
deal, carriers that are keen to operate the new services will have
to submit their applications to their respective authorities.
--ST