(Update: This article has been updated to reflect that this is an MFA/SIA joint effort, and not MOT/CAAS/SIA.)
Singaporeans and permanent residents in Britain who are trying to return to Singapore can now register with the government to secure flight tickets, with priority given for those studying in Britain.
This comes after an announcement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on March 17, urging Singaporean students to return to Singapore, amidst the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak.
Flight cancellations are also becoming increasingly frequent worldwide, as travellers put their plans on hold to help stop the spread of the virus, and airlines respond to the fall in demand by cutting available flights.
SIA will try and put the students on the first available flight within their preferences
Mothership understands that the Singapore High Commission in London is working with SIA to help Singaporeans and PRs who wish to travel back to Singapore in March 2020.
A message was sent to Singapore societies in British universities.
Interested parties can visit this link, where you will be asked to indicate details on a form, including preferred flight dates.
According to the form, applicants will be offered a "special rate" for travel due to the extraordinary circumstances.
If applicants are holding an existing SIA ticket for departure in March 2020, SIA has advised them to travel as per their original itinerary.
Those with tickets issued for travel from April 2020 are advised to fill up the form, after which SIA will attempt to place them on the first available flight within their preferences.
Applicants urged to remain contactable
SIA also said that depending on the price and original conditions of the ticket, an additional payment may be required, but this will be "moderated and waived" where possible, due to the extraordinary circumstances.
Those who have filled up the form will be contacted by SIA to process the ticket, and once ticketed, SIA stated that they reserve the right to rebook their travel on an alternative flight due to operational contingencies.
According to SIA, applicants who have signed up for these tickets are advised to remain contactable, as SIA will do its best to contact the passenger at least 24 hours before the allocated flight.
Mothership has contacted MFA for a statement and will update the article when they reply.
You can see a Facebook post on the matter by the Singapore High Commission in London below:
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