SIA delays launch of new Singapore-Jakarta-Sydney thrice weekly flights

SIA authorities say the airlines will contact the affected customers and try to put them on other flights.

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Singapore Airlines (SIA) planes sit on the tarmac in Singapore's Changi Airport Reuters

Singapore Airlines (SIA) announced on Wednesday that it will delay the launch of its new thrice weekly flights linking Singapore, Jakarta and Sydney that was originally scheduled to start from Nov 23.

In a media release, the company said: "SIA has been informed by the Indonesian civil aviation authorities that they are now unable to approve the flights due to runway maintenance works at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International airport which also affect other airlines."

SIA also added that it will contact the affected customers and try to put them on other flights.

The airlines received written approvals from Indonesian civil aviation authorities and hence it secured the necessary airport slots.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said in a statement that it was aware of this change.

"We understand that SIA had earlier received approval from the Indonesian civil aviation authorities but the authorities have now indicated that SIA cannot proceed with the services ... We hope the Indonesian civil aviation authorities can give approval to this new services as soon as possible so that it can be launched," the statement said.

The new service was planned to enhance the air connectivity between the three cities. It will also help in facilitating more people and improve trade flows.

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