On Monday Singapore Airlines announced that they have temporarily suspended over 3,000 flights, from February until the end of May.
Just a week ago Singapore Airlines slashed 674 flights (both Singapore Airlines and SilkAir) across its global network, as the on-going coronavirus epidemic continues to hit Asia’s travel demand.
In the expanded flight cancellation, a total of 70 destinations are affected. The pictures below show all of the affected destinations to date.
A full list of the cancelled flights can be found here (for travel between February to May)
If Your Flight is Cancelled
At the point of writing, Singapore Airlines, or your travel agent, should have already reached out to you to provide alternative arrangements.
If you think that the new arrangement is not suitable for you; you should first go online to search for some flight alternatives before contacting Singapore Airlines or your travel agency, then proceed with making a new arrangement.
Excess Manpower
According to the Straits Times, Singapore Airlines is now facing excessive manpower. It has already imposed a hiring freeze and is now contemplating on other measures, such as voluntary no-pay leave.
Brendan Sobie, an independent aviation consultant, has argued that the airlines should consider unpaid leave schemes.
In his commentary on Straits Times, he explained that “the SIA Group has so far decided against offering an unpaid leave scheme, in order to have enough crew in place to operate a full schedule when the virus becomes contained. This decision could backfire if the virus is not contained soon.”
In addition, he is urging Singapore Airlines to respond more rapidly. “The group has so far reacted too slowly in cutting capacity, particularly on non-China routes, and has not been transparent enough about the financial impact” he added.
Adjustment (and Reduction) to In-Flight Service
Singapore Airlines sent an email out to all Krisflyer members on Monday, to lay out the steps that the airlines has taken in view of coronavirus outbreak. The pointers below summarise the key details of the in-flight service adjustment:
- Replacement of hot towel service with pre-set wet towelettes
- Cessation of after take-off drink service
- Removal of reading materials from seat-back pockets
- Suspension of in-flight sales
You may click here to read the email detailing the measures that Singapore Airlines has taken, to keep customers and crew safe during this period.