The high levels of pollution in Singapore have prompted air traffic controllers at Changi Airport to increase the separation between take-offs and landings as a precautionary measure.
Singapore Airlines has issued a statement saying it is closely monitoring the haze situation and that it is working with the relevant regulatory authorities.
The airline’s flights at Changi Airport continue to operate as scheduled. However, contingency plans are in place should the situation worsen and affect flight operations.
For passengers holding confirmed tickets issued on or before June 21 for travel over June 21-27 and who wish to change their travel plans, the airline will waive administrative fees/penalties for refunds, re-booking and re-routing.
Local authorities are providing regular updates about the haze situation in Singapore and PSI (Pollutant Standards Index) levels. The National Environment Agency has issued precautionary guidelines on the haze situation. More information can be found at the NEA website: http://app2.nea.gov.sg/weather-climate/haze-updates/health-advisories.
The high levels of smog are due to land clearance fires in Indonesia, reaching hazardous levels of 300 on the Pollutant Standards Index at some points last week. “The Runway Visual Range (RVR), which measures the horizontal visibility along the runway … has dropped to levels lower than 1500m due to the haze shrouding our skies currently, and air traffic controllers have increased the separations between take-offs and landings. Even with this added step taken, we have not experienced any significant delays and arrivals due to the haze at this time,” says a spokesperson from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS).
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, declared a state of emergency in the districts of Muar and Ledang in Johor as a result of the haze from smoke, caused by forest fires on the Indonesian island of Sumatra.
The minister made the announcement on June 23 after the haze reached hazardous levels, exceeding 500 on the index. He said the haze emergency did not involve a curfew and that guidelines on the actions to take to manage the situation were in place.
