Singapore has not given up on forming a bilateral “air travel bubble” with Hong Kong that would allow travelers to skip quarantine, the Southeast Asian country’s Transport Minister Ong Ye Kung told CNBC.
The arrangement was supposed to begin last November but was postponed after Hong Kong reported a resurgence in new Covid-19 cases. A new launch date has not been set, but Ong said authorities from both sides have been in touch.
“As you know, the agreement has been signed, concluded. We’re making a few tweaks, a few proposals to tighten it,” the minister told CNBC’s “Squawk Box Asia” on Thursday.
In addition to Hong Kong, Singapore is keen to establish “travel bubble” arrangements with other places, said Ong, who’s predicting “some recovery” in aviation this year.
Vaccination rates will not be the only consideration for Singapore in opening its borders, said Ong. He added that the track record of countries and territories, when it comes to pandemic control, is a more important factor.
The minister pointed out that even before vaccinations were underway, Singapore was able to open up to some places that were considered “safe.”
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