Masks not required on Singapore Airlines flights unless travelling to or from destinations that mandate it

SINGAPORE: Singapore Airlines (SIA) passengers will not be required to wear masks on flights from next Monday (Aug 29) unless they are travelling to or from destinations that mandate it.

In response to CNA queries, SIA said it updated its policy on the use of masks during flights following the latest guidelines from the Government.

The Ministry of Health's (MOH) director of medical services Kenneth Mak said on Wednesday morning that mask-wearing requirements on flights will depend on the rules or laws in the destination country as well as the carrier.

SIA passengers who wish to wear a mask on board may continue to do so, said the airline. Masks are optional at Changi Airport.

DESTINATIONS

SIA provided a list of destinations that require passengers aged six and above to wear masks during a flight.

These destinations include Canada, mainland China, and South Korea. Southeast Asian destinations that require masks on board include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

"As regulations may change at short notice, customers are advised to check the travel advisory issued by the local authorities of their planned destination, if in doubt," said SIA.

In response to CNA queries, a Jetstar spokesperson said that the airline will review the updated mask requirements to ensure its onboard mask policy "continues to be aligned with the relevant authorities" of the destinations it flies to.

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong announced on Wednesday that people in Singapore will not be required to wear a mask except on public transport and in healthcare facilities from Aug 29.

Masks will still have to be worn on transport modes such as the MRT, LRT and public buses, as well as in indoor public transport facilities like boarding areas at bus interchanges and MRT platforms. 

They will not be required at naturally ventilated bus interchanges and in the retail areas of bus interchanges, MRT and LRT stations.