Minister for Foreign Affairs Responds to Parliamentary Question Regarding Russian Flights
Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Vivian Balakrishnan, stated that the government is “not in a position to make specific announcements” regarding the potential blocking of Russian airlines and private aircraft from landing at Changi Airport. His comments came in response to a question raised by Member of Parliament Jamus Lim from Sengkang GRC during a Parliament session on March 3. Lim had inquired about Singapore’s stance on restricting Russian flights into the country.
Vivian confirmed that while no decision has been made, the Government would address the issue “in due time.” This response followed international actions, including the suspension of flights by Singapore Airlines (SIA) between Changi Airport and Moscow, which was announced on February 28 for operational reasons.
On the global front, the European Union, Canada, and the United States have already banned Russian flights from their airspace, with Russia retaliating by imposing flight bans on 36 countries, including all EU members. While airlines in Asia, such as SIA, can still fly over Russian airspace, many, including SIA, have opted to avoid the region’s skies.
