The joys of air travel in South-east Asia! Where the thrill of possibly getting lost in a maze of connecting flights is only rivalled by the excitement of trying to pronounce the names of the airports you’re flying into. (Looking at you, “Ngurah Rai International Airport” in Bali. Try saying that five times fast after a few Bintangs.)
But fear not, dear travellers, for the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) transport ministers have come to the rescue with a plan to make air travel in the region a whole lot easier. And by “easier”, I mean ” marginally less likely to induce a nervous breakdown”.
As of next year, airline operators from South-east Asia will be allowed to offer stopovers within ASEAN member states, thanks to the signing of Protocol 5 on Own Stopover Rights between Points within the Territory of Other ASEAN member states. Try saying that one fast, by the way. I dare you.
According to Malaysia’s transport minister, Anthony Loke, this means that if an airline flies from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, it can then continue on to Bali, Indonesia, and from there, proceed to other airports within ASEAN member states. Because, you know, who needs a direct flight when you can have a fun-filled adventure with multiple layovers?
But seriously, this move is expected to boost regional air connectivity, benefit airlines, and enhance operational flexibility for carriers. It will also promote tourism and enhance trade by providing more seamless and convenient air travel options across the region. Because, let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good excuse to visit Bali?
The signing of Protocol 5 was held in conjunction with 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 advancing regional and global connectivity. I bet the networking opportunities were just fabulous.
And if that wasn’t enough, the ASEAN-New Zealand Air Services Agreement and its Protocol 1 were also signed, marking an important step in strengthening aviation relations between South-east Asia and New Zealand. Because, you know, someone has to keep the Kiwis entertained while they’re waiting for their flights.
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. Which means that soon, you’ll be able to fly from Kuala Lumpur to Auckland with a stopover in Singapore, and then on to Bali, and then… well, you get the idea.
So, there you have it, folks. Air travel in South-east Asia is about to get a whole lot more exciting. Or, at the very least, a whole lot more complicated. Either way, we’re sure to have some great stories to tell.
South-east Asian airline operators will soon be able to offer stopovers within the ASEAN region, as per the provisions of Protocol 5 on Own Stopover Rights between Points within the Territory of Other ASEAN member states, which is expected to be signed by all 10 ASEAN countries starting next year.
Malaysia’s Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, announced on November 22 that South-east Asia-based airlines will be permitted to make stopovers at airports within ASEAN member states before heading to another destination within the region, thereby enhancing regional air connectivity.
According to Loke’s explanation provided to The Star, the new regulation would allow airlines to operate flights from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, followed by a stopover in Bali, Indonesia, and then proceed to other airports within ASEAN member states, thereby providing passengers with more travel options and flexibility.
The implementation of this protocol is expected to boost regional air connectivity, enhance operational flexibility for carriers, promote tourism, and facilitate trade by providing more seamless and convenient air travel options across the region, said Loke.
Notably, all ASEAN member states, except for Myanmar and Indonesia, have signed Protocol 5, paving the way for its implementation next year.
The signing of Protocol 5 was undertaken in conjunction with the 30th ASEAN Transport Ministers Meeting and the 58th Senior Transport Officials Meetings, which took place in Kuala Lumpur from November 18 to 22, and brought together South-east Asian transport leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss regional and global connectivity and economic prosperity.
Loke also highlighted that the ASEAN-New Zealand Air Services Agreement and its Protocol 1, resulting from the meeting, marked an essential step in strengthening aviation ties between South-east Asia and New Zealand.
Under the 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, with unlimited third and fourth freedom traffic rights, as outlined in Protocol 1 of the ASEAN-New Zealand Air Services Agreement.
