SINGAPORE, Nov 9 — Flag carrier Singapore Airlines (SIA) announced today it will delay the November 23 launch of its new thrice weekly flights linking Singapore, Jakarta and Sydney.
This new service is meant to enhance air connectivity between the three cities to facilitate people and trade flows.
SIA had received written approvals from Indonesian civil aviation authorities and had secured the necessary airport slots.
But in a media release today, the airline said: “SIA has been informed by the Indonesian civil aviation authorities that they are now unable to approve the flights due to runway maintenance works at Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International airport which also affect other airlines.”
The airline added that it will start contacting affected customers and help put them on other flights.
Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said it was aware of the development. It said in a statement: “We understand that SIA had earlier received approval from the Indonesian civil aviation authorities but the authorities have now indicated that SIA cannot proceed with the services… We hope the Indonesian civil aviation authorities can give approval to this new services as soon as possible so that it can be launched.” — TODAY
