Penang-Singapore VTL to commence on March 16

The Penang-Singapore VTL (Vaccinated Travel Lane) by air is set to kick off on March 16.

Minister of Transport Datuk Dr Seri Wee Ka Siong said in a statement that both governments of Malaysia and Singapore have reached a mutual agreement to expand the VTL by air to serve the Penang-Singapore route starting March 16.

Dr Wee also said that the VTL will play an important role in strengthening flight connectivity between Malaysia and Singapore. It will also contribute to the economic and commercial recovery between both nations, as both have been heavily impacted by the pandemic particularly in the tourism sector.

“This VTL initiative will allow fully vaccinated travellers from between Penang and Singapore and vice-versa with participating airlines under the VTL without being required to quarantine upon arrival.”

The Penang-Singapore VTL will begin with four flights per day shared between participating airlines operating in both countries. The sale of air tickets under the VTL is expected to be commence as soon as possible.

He said that so far, the Malaysia-Singapore VTL has served 82,906 arriving passengers from Singapore as of Feb 28 this year.

Currently, the Malaysia-Singapore VTL for both land and air is only accessible through Johor and Kuala Lumpur. With the implementation of the Penang-Singapore VTL by air, more Malaysians and Singaporeans are expected to travel between both countries.

State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said that the authorities have agreed in principle with the implementation of the Penang-Singapore VTL, and preparations for programme, including those at Penang International Airport (PIA), are proceeding smoothly for the time being.

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Yeoh was also reported as saying that Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) have carried out detailed preparations at the airport to ensure that all VTL flights between Penang and Singapore will proceed smoothly, including determining the aerobridge and a special path for passengers to disembark. The Penang International Airport has also set up a medical laboratory for screening tests.

Malaysia is also in negotiations with 12 other countries for possible VTLs, and is close to announcing international borders opening up soon.

Stay tuned for more updates on this story.

Main image credit: Aaron Lee/Unsplash