Singapore Airlines to suspend Chengdu, Chongqing flights from 31 March

Due to an alleged lack of authorization from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for the next summer and autumn season, Singapore Airlines intends to suspend service to and from the mainland Chinese cities of Chengdu and Chongqing starting on March 31.

The Straits Times reports that this suspension follows the resumption of flights between the two cities and Singapore only five months ago; the duration of the most recent pause is unknown. The airline currently flies to Chongqing three times a week and Chengdu daily.

The Straits Times was informed by a Singapore Airlines spokesman that “China is an important market for the Singapore Airlines Group.” As we modify our network and capacity for China, we will keep working closely with the relevant authorities.”

Similar to the one that happened last year, this suspension involves Singapore and four Chinese cities: Chongqing, Chengdu, Shenzhen, and Xiamen. The flights were halted and then resumed in late November.

The timing of this new prohibition seems to be coincidental, but it comes just after the Chinese embassy in Singapore sent out a warning to its citizens not to gamble in the city-state due to possible legal violations in China.

The two countries announced a reciprocal 30-day visa-free entry agreement earlier in February. Nomura analysts predict that this would lead to a significant rise in Chinese tourists visiting Singapore and provide further benefits to its integrated resorts, Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa.

Original story by: IAG