SIA delays launch of new Singapore-Jakarta-Sydney route

SINGAPORE Airlines (SIA) is delaying the launch its new route linking Singapore, Jakarta and Sydney after Indonesian civil aviation authorities said they were now unable to approve flights due to runway maintenance works at Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

SIA had announced in September plans to launch the new three-times weekly flights on November 23, 2016 after the Indonesian civil aviation authorities had issued it written approval, and SIA had secured the necessary airport slots.

The latest runway maintenance works will also affect other airlines, SIA said in a release on Wednesday.

"SIA will progressively contact customers with bookings on this route and help put them on other flights. The airline apologises for the inconvenience caused to our customers,'' SIA said.

In response to media queries, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) said it was aware of SIA's plans to delay the new route due to the runway maintenance works.

"We hope the Indonesian civil aviation authorities can give approval for this new service as soon as possible so that it can be launched,'' CAAS said in a separate release.

It added that SIA's new service would enhance air connectivity between Singapore, Jakarta and Sydney, which "will facilitate people and trade flows between these cities".