SINGAPORE: Scoot passenger flights departing from Singapore will not be allowed to land in Hong Kong from April 16 to April 29, the government of Hong Kong announced.
The announcement came in an everyday press release providing updates and COVID-19 case numbers for the territory.
According to the press release, Scoot passenger flight (TR980), arriving from Singapore to Hong Kong on Apr 11, had two passengers who tested positive for COVID-19.
One passenger had also failed to comply with requirements “specified under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap. 599H),” stated the release.
According to a Hong Kong government website on COVID-19, the requirements prescribed by Chapter 599H are quarantine-related.
“The DH (Department of Health) thus invoked the regulation to prohibit the landing of passenger flights from Singapore operated by Scoot in Hong Kong from April 16 to 29,” stated the release.
Responding to CNA’s queries, Scoot confirmed the suspension of daily flights from Singapore to Hong Kong.
“Two transfer passengers on flight TR980 on Apr 11, 2021, who carried valid negative pre-departure COVID-19 test results, examined positive on arrival in Hong Kong,” the airline stated.
“A third transfer passenger on board the same flight had negative pre-departure COVID-19 test results and also tested negative on arrival in Hong Kong.
“However, this passenger’s test and travel visa supporting documents were found to not fully meet Hong Kong’s regulatory requirements.
The airline added that it will work closely with ground handling agents to “reinforce our protocols and staff training” in conducting document checks during departure, “and to ensure that the passengers we carry are in compliance with all regulatory requirements”.
Scoot also apologized to passengers who have bought tickets for the flight during the suspension period.
“For affected passengers booked on TR980 departing from Apr 16 onwards, Scoot will provide re-booking where possible or offer a full refund.
“Scoot sincerely apologizes to our customers for the inconvenience caused.”
The airline added that its Hong Kong to Singapore passenger flights would not be affected.
The suspension of Scoot passenger flights comes less than two weeks after the Hong Kong government had banned Singapore Airlines (SIA) passenger flights departing from Singapore from landing in Hong Kong.
This was after a passenger on SQ882, flying from Singapore to Hong Kong on Mar 31, was confirmed to have COVID-19 after being tested on arrival in the territory.
In addition, three passengers had also “failed to comply with requirements specified under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap. 599H)”.
The ban started on Apr 3 and will end on April 16.
