Breaking News: ASEAN Airlines Get the Green Light for Stopovers, Because Who Doesn’t Love a Good Detour?
Ah, the joys of air travel in South-east Asia. Where a short hop from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore can quickly turn into a thrilling game of "will we make it to our destination on time?" But fear not, dear travelers, for the ASEAN transport ministers have just given airline operators the thumbs up to offer stopovers within member states starting next year.
Now, before you get too excited, let me break it down for you. Imagine you’re flying from KL to Singapore, and then, instead of just dumping you off at Changi Airport, your airline can whisk you away to Bali, Indonesia. And from there, who knows? Maybe a quick jaunt to Phuket, Thailand, or even a spontaneous trip to Manila, Philippines. The possibilities are endless, folks!
Malaysia’s transport minister, Anthony Loke, explained it all to The Star, saying, "If an airline flies from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, that same flight can (then continue) on to Bali, Indonesia. From there, (it) can also proceed to other airports within ASEAN member states." Ah, clarity at last!
Now, I know what you’re thinking: "But what about the logistics?" Fear not, dear reader, for the ASEAN transport ministers have thought of that too. With the signing of Protocol 5, airlines will have greater operational flexibility, and passengers will enjoy more seamless and convenient air travel options. It’s a win-win, really.
Of course, there are a few caveats. Myanmar and Indonesia are still holding out, refusing to sign Protocol 5. But I’m sure they’ll come around eventually. After all, who wouldn’t want to join the party?
The signing of Protocol 5 was part of the 30th ASEAN Transport Ministers and 58th Senior Transport Officials Meetings, which brought together South-east Asian transport leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss the future of regional connectivity. And let me tell you, it’s all about the Benjamins, baby! Or rather, the Singapore dollars, Malaysian ringgit, and Thai baht.
But seriously, this move is expected to boost regional air connectivity, benefit airlines, and promote tourism. And who doesn’t love a good tourist trap? I mean, have you seen the prices of souvenirs at Changi Airport?
In other news, the ASEAN-New Zealand Air Services Agreement and its Protocol 1 were also signed, strengthening aviation relations between South-east Asia and New Zealand. Because who doesn’t want to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Auckland with a quick stopover in Bali?
Under the agreement, airlines designated by ASEAN member states and New Zealand will have greater opportunities to operate passenger and/or cargo services between and beyond South-east Asia and New Zealand. And with unlimited third and fourth freedom traffic rights, the possibilities are endless!
So there you have it, folks. ASEAN airlines are getting the green light for stopovers, and it’s going to be a wild ride. Buckle up, because the future of air travel in South-east Asia is looking brighter than ever!
Key Takeaways:
- ASEAN airlines can offer stopovers within member states starting next year
- Protocol 5 allows for greater operational flexibility and more seamless air travel options
- Myanmar and Indonesia are still holding out, but they’ll come around eventually
- The ASEAN-New Zealand Air Services Agreement strengthens aviation relations between South-east Asia and New Zealand
- Unlimited third and fourth freedom traffic rights mean more direct connections and expanded air transport services
What do you think about this development? Will you be taking advantage of stopovers in South-east Asia? Let us know in the comments!
A landmark development paving the way for South-east Asian airline operators to offer seamless travel experiences is set to unfold next year, as all 10 ASEAN member states prepare to sign the highly anticipated Protocol 5 on Own Stopover Rights between Points within the Territory of Other ASEAN member states.
During a recent address, Anthony Loke, Malaysia’s transport minister, announced that South-east Asia-based airlines will be authorized to make stopovers at ASEAN member state airports before proceeding to another destination within the region, effective 2025.
As explained by Loke in an exclusive interview with The Star, the new protocol will grant airlines the flexibility to create multi-stop itineraries, thereby increasing travel options for passengers and fostering greater regional air connectivity. For instance, a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore can now continue onward to Bali, Indonesia, and then proceed to other ASEAN destinations, ensuring smoother and more efficient air travel experiences.
The introduction of this protocol is expected to have far-reaching consequences, benefiting not only airlines but also passengers, as it will promote tourism, enhance trade, and provide more convenient air travel options across the region.
As of now, eight ASEAN member states have signed Protocol 5, while Myanmar and Indonesia are expected to follow suit in the coming months.
The signing of Protocol 5 took place alongside the 30th ASEAN Transport Ministers and 58th Senior Transport Officials Meetings, held in Kuala Lumpur from November 18 to 22, which brought together South-east Asian transport leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss strategies for advancing regional and global connectivity.
Furthermore, Loke highlighted the significance of the ASEAN-New Zealand Air Services Agreement and its Protocol 1, which marks a major step forward in strengthening aviation relations between South-east Asia and New Zealand, resulting from the meeting.
As a result of this agreement, airlines designated by ASEAN member states and New Zealand will have greater opportunities to operate passenger and cargo services between and beyond South-east Asia and New Zealand, leading to increased direct connections and expanded air transport services between the two regions.
