British Airways is continuing to fly to Australia via Singapore despite a transit ban in the Asian nation. The move is in contrast to Australian alliance partner Qantas, which has begun rerouting its Sydney to London service.
The coronacrisis has had a huge impact on the global aviation industry. Initially, a fall in demand was hitting airlines hard. However, this demand collapse has now been largely supplemented with government travel bans.
Earlier this week, Singapore placed a ban on passengers transiting in the country. This had a huge effect on Singapore Airlines which has just nine aircraft left flying. But how have others been affected?
British Airways continues to use Singapore
Singapore is the stop that British Airways uses to refuel its aircraft when flying to Sydney. The airline used to also offer a stop in Bangkok, however, this was ended in 2012. While the aircraft stops in Singapore, passengers are usually asked to leave the aircraft while the aircraft is refueled, and new catering is loaded.
Indeed, this was the case when I took the flight in 2009. However, Singapore Changi Airport is currently not permitted to accept transit passengers. This would make you wonder how British Airways can keep the service operational.
It seems as though Executive Traveller has found the answer. It has reported that British Airways has received permission from Singapore’s Civil Aviation Authority to continue to operate the flight. However, there are conditions attached.
It seems as though passengers will have to remain on board the aircraft while it is serviced. This means that passengers will be stuck on the plane for a total of 22 hours. This is almost four hours longer than the world’s longest non-stop flight. One would hope that the airline schedules a Boeing 777 with the new Club Suite on the route!
Simple Flying approached British Airways regarding this story. A spokesperson for the airline declined to comment.
Qantas will suspend the route
Typically both Qantas and British Airways operate flights from London to Sydney via Singapore. British Airways is currently using a Boeing 777 for the route. Meanwhile, Qantas uses the giant of the skies for its flagship route. In the future, it wants to operate the route non-stop.
Rather than keeping passengers on the plane in Singapore, Qantas is flying its A380 non-stop from Australia to the UK. It is currently flying from Sydney to Darwin, and then on to London Heathrow. This service, however, is due to be suspended shortly as the Australian government places travel restrictions on outgoing passengers.
With several of the big Middle East airlines grounded at this time, British Airways will, for the time being, become the main choice for passengers traveling between the United Kingdom and Australia.
Are you due to fly between London and Sydney? What do you think about being stuck on the aircraft for 22-hours? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
The post British Airways Continues Flights Via Singapore Despite Transit Ban appeared first on Simple Flying.