Reviving Air Travel

Reciprocal Green Lanes • Travel Bubbles • Travel Corridors • Corona Corridors • Travel Bridges 

Some new synonymous words in the COVID-19 lexicon. 

Recent news articles on reviving air travel have generated polarised views. On one hand, some want it resumed as soon and safe as possible. On the other extreme, some want borders closed until the extinction of COVID. In such times, we must be thankful that we have a centrist and balanced government. 

Not many governments can endure prolonged lockdowns unless they have huge reserves; print more money (which may lead to fiscal instabilities) or borrow more (increase burden for younger generation). In any case, please don't be alarmed when you read about Singapore starting discussions on RGL with Indonesia (which has about 2306 new confirmed cases today). 

In fact, I think our Singapore diplomats and transport ministries should start discussing with every country. Establishing mutually agreed arrangements and protocols take time. To start discussing only with countries that have low cases will mean missing the window of travel before the next wave hits. 

Just like in business, you don't wait for the clients to start issuing cheques to you before printing your product brochures to show them, it is in our interest to establish RGL arrangements with every country which are ready to be implemented when the time is right. And yes, we can then disagree on what time is a right time. But till then, let's hope Singapore gets into as many travel arrangements as possible.