Airlines' flight plans show Changi Airport volume should reach 80% of 2019 levels by year end

The number of flights that airlines have filed to operate in Changi Airport by the year end has already exceeded more than 80 per cent of pre-Covid-19 levels - with China's opening strategy presenting a "major uncertainty" for Singapore's planners. Transport Minister S. Iswaran said in Parliament on Monday that his ministry makes projections based on flight plans that airlines file with Changi Airport in advance, as well as the opening of source markets, particularly in the Asia-Pacific. Already, the recent reopening of Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan is likely to further increase year-end flights, as airlines respond to demand from Asian travellers, he said. Pre-Covid-19, China accounted for about 20% of Singapore's tourists. "China's opening strategy is something that we have to observe and China is a significant source for us. I think that is a major uncertainty that we have to watch out for," Iswaran said. "We plan with the capacity in mind, but we also need to be vigilant." Saktiandi was also worried that the authorities might have over-budgeted when it set the target for 80% of pre-Covid-19 flights by the year end. Iswaran said there is predictability to these figures, which are derived from airlines when they submit to Changi Airport for flight slots that they operate. Referring to ongoing recruitment efforts, Iswaran added that all aviation companies have been "throwing the kitchen sink at this". He had said previously that the sector wanted to hire another 4,000 people by the year end, restoring manpower to 90% of 2019 levels.<br/>