The newly built Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA) appears set to reopen flights between the Javanese city and neighboring countries Malaysia and Singapore, according to an official from airport management firm Angkasa Pura I.
YIA’s interim general manager Agus Pandu Purnomo said yesterday that the route from Yogyakarta to Singapore will commence in September, following the second reopening of the Yogyakarta-Kuala Lumpur route on Aug. 16, which was briefly opened in early July and saw the operations of two flights, but has since been temporarily closed.
According to Agus, the flights to and from Malaysia will be operated by AirAsia and are scheduled for Friday and Sunday every week.
Despite having announced the planned reopening of the Yogyakarta-Singapore route, Agus stopped short of giving out more details about exact dates of reopening and which airlines will serve that route.
When it comes to Yogyakarta, most people may be more familiar with Adisutjipto International Airport, but its role as the main flight hub in the province has been replaced by YIA, which officially commenced operations in late March.
Indonesia has yet to open its borders at this point, but the latest statement from Angkasa Pura I indicates that plans to do so are in motion, keeping in mind that officials have also announced plans to reopen Bali to foreigners in September.
For the time being, however, foreign nationals are not allowed to enter or transit in Indonesia, though some exemptions have been made for those who hold Limited Stay Permits (ITAS) and Permanent Stay Permits (ITAP), diplomats, medical or humanitarian services, as well as airline and ship crew, to name a few. Foreign visitors must hold a health certificate issued by their home countries’ health authorities, among other requirements, and more details can be found on the Indonesian Immigration’s official website.
As for Singapore, all short-term visitors are not allowed to enter the city-state, except for those who hold a SafeTravel Pass or an approval letter of entry from the relevant authorities, or spouses and children of Singapore residents. Visitors, except for those with SafeTravel Passes, will be issued with a Stay-Home Notice.
In Malaysia, borders have partially reopened to foreigners since mid-June, allowing entry for those who hold certain employment or professional visit passes, as well as medical tourists — who are immediately taken to the hospital upon arrival. Foreign visitors to Malaysia have to undergo a COVID-19 test prior to their departure or as soon as they arrive in the country. Malaysian citizens are permitted to travel overseas by showing any proof of their travel purposes.
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