Hong Kong proposes reanimation of air travel bubble proposal with Singapore

With Hong Kong still largely in the grip of a fourth wave of Covid-19, the air travel bubble mechanism previously agreed and touted by both Singapore and Hong Kong late last year (it had been due to be implemented from 22 November) and, subsequently put on hold, is back on the agenda. Hong Kong secretary for commerce and economic development, Edward Yau Tang-wah, has revealed his government had sent a new proposal to Singapore to institute the travel bubble. Six other countries are also reportedly invited to talks on joining such a mechanism, although it is thought a bilateral arrangement with Singapore is the initial priority for Hong Kong’s leadership. It is understood the Hong Kong proposal is for its travellers to be vaccinated against Covid as a condition for joining any travel bubble scheme. Singapore’s transport minister Ong Ye Kung, in a holding reply, stated that his country was studying the proposal and would be responding “shortly”. “We are very happy that Hong Kong has in recent weeks kept the pandemic under good control. This is a very positive development,” said Ong. As Hong Kong awaits Singapore’s response, it is lifting its own ban on residents stranded in Britain and quarantine rules are to be eased for arrivals from Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.