The dangers of lithium batteries were highlighted following fires caused by power banks on board aircraft, including an Air China flight in October 2025, and an Air Busan plane that was destroyed by a blaze in January of the same year.

#ADVISORY: From 15 April 2026, all departing passengers from Changi Airport will only be allowed to carry a maximum of two power banks per person, which must be carried in their hand luggage.

Find out more: https://t.co/KJUoihLjB9

— Changi Airport (@ChangiAirport) April 6, 2026

The shift in Singapore—whose Changi International Airport was ranked by Skytrax as the world’s best for the 13^th year running in 2025, serving 69.98 million passengers and connecting to over 170 destinations—is similar to rule changes in other jurisdictions. Both Japan and Macao have restricted in-air power bank quantities and charging due to safety concerns. Hong Kong has gone further, with its Civil Aviation Department banning passengers from using power banks on flights. The Asia Pacific region has been particularly proactive on the matter.

Foong Ling Huei, director of Flight Standards at CAAS, said: “The new requirements will help reduce the risk of fire caused by power banks on board flights. We urge all passengers to familiarise themselves and comply with the new requirements, for their own safety and the safety of other passengers.”

A Safety Alert for Operations (SAFO) was issued by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in September 2025, alerting stakeholders to the hazard posed by lithium batteries on board aircraft. Authorities around the world have responded with bans and restrictions, including China, where the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) has imposed a nationwide ban on uncertified power banks, meaning only valid China Compulsory Certification (3C or CCC) power banks are now permitted on domestic flights.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) caught up with the situation on 2 April 2026, updating global safety guidelines to specify a quota of only two power banks per passenger and limitations on charging and using them in the air. Singapore’s new regulations follow that advice.

ADVISORY ON THE CARRIAGE OF POWER BANKS ON BOARD SIA FLIGHTS

Singapore Airlines (SIA) will implement the updated guidelines from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) (https://t.co/jAklYH7BXB) and Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS)…

— Singapore Airlines (@SingaporeAir) April 6, 2026

Many airlines have already acted, including Virgin Australia, Qantas, Jetstar, Lufthansa Group and Emirates. Passengers should note that power banks are usually prohibited in check-in baggage, and that capacity limits restrict power banks beyond 100Wh unless prior written permission has been obtained. Often, power banks are required to be stored in protective cases or pouches to guard against risks such as short circuits.

L’article Singapore set to tighten in-flight power bank rules est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Singapore’s Tourism Board is seeking to seduce visitors from the United States with the launch of a new matchmaking competition that will offer participants an international blind date, complete with return flights, four nights’ top hotel accommodation, a cookery lesson with a Michelin-starred chef, and spending money.

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Emphasising human connection, gastronomy, and culture, the campaign seeks to shift perceptions of Singapore, which, for some consumers, has a reputation as a “squeaky clean, chewing gum-banned, caning or death penalty” state, according to Seshan Ramaswami, marketing professor at the country’s Management University.

Eileen Lee, Singapore Tourism Board’s senior vice-president for the Americas, explained the aim of the promotion. “We hope to introduce Singapore to new audiences in a way that feels personal, relevant and emotionally resonant, ultimately inspiring future travel,” she said.

The two chosen winners will be sent on a non-televised, four-day blind date in Singapore, having been handpicked as a match by a trio of celebrity “aunties,” composed of Taiwanese-American comedian Atsuko Okatsuka, the Singaporean actress Tan Kheng Hua, known for her long-running role in the sitcom, Phua Chu Kang Pte Ltd and for her part in 2018’s romantic comedy Crazy Rich Asians, and astrologer Aliza Kelly.

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The panel’s brief is to buck the grind of dating apps and algorithm-powered matches experienced by today’s singles. “I’ve heard the dating horror stories. From doomscrolling to awkward small talk to people ghosting you. I do not want anyone to suffer that anymore,” Okatsuka said, adding: “Becoming an auntie to help someone skip the apps and land an epic first date in Singapore – a place full of amazing food, culture, and personality – is an honour! I’m here to report for duty.”

Wong King-Yin, a senior marketing lecturer at Nanyang Business School, has called the so-called “Aunties, Not Algorithms” concept “culturally rooted” and argued that the approach is a welcome change from “focusing solely on infrastructure and attractions.” Instead, “they are building identity and narrative. Collectively, these efforts position Singapore as a vibrant, human-centred destination with a distinctive voice in a highly competitive global tourism landscape,” she said. 

To take part, applicants must be singles aged 21 or above and be legal residents of the US. They are invited to share personal details and a video outlining why they should be selected by 13 March 2026.

L’article Singapore romantic getaway: aunties pick singles for luxury blind date est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The biennial aviation event is set to take place at the Changi Exhibition Centre at the easternmost tip of Singapore, from 3 February to 8 February. It features aerial displays that will close local airspace, disrupting commercial flights.

ADVISORY ON SINGAPORE AIRLINES FLIGHTS AFFECTED BY THE SINGAPORE AIRSHOW AIRSPACE CLOSURE BETWEEN 29 JANUARY AND 8 FEBRUARY 2026

Several Singapore Airlines (SIA) flights will be affected by the temporary airspace closure for the Singapore Airshow from 29 January to 8 February…

— Singapore Airlines (@SingaporeAir) January 26, 2026

As a result, the country’s national flag carrier has announced a series of schedule changes and cancellations to both regional and international routes, with departures both brought forward and delayed, taking place several hours early or late in some instances. Singapore Airlines has published the details of a series of renumbered and retimed flights on its web pages and social media, but urges passengers to update their contact details and check the status of their flight, as the current list is not exhaustive.

At the time of writing the announcement includes disruption to:

• Two flights between Singapore and Hong Kong on 3 February.
• Three flights between Singapore and Indonesia on 30 January and 1 February.
• Five flights between Singapore and Malaysia on 1 and 3 February, two of which have been cancelled
• Nine flights between Singapore and The Philippines on 29 and 30 January, and 1, 2, 3 4, 5, 6,7 and 8 February, which will leave Manila at five past midnight (seven hours and 15 minutes early).
• One flight between Singapore and South Korea on 3 February.
• Three flights between Singapore and Thailand on 1 and 3 February, two of which have been cancelled.
• One flight between Singapore and the United States on 3 February, now departing Singapore for New York more than two hours early.
• One flight between Singapore and Vietnam on 1 February, whose departure from Ho Chi Minh City will be delayed by nearly five hours.

In its statement, Singapore Airlines has apologised to customers for the disruption and promised to contact everyone impacted by the temporary airspace closure to ensure they are fully informed about the changes. The carrier also undertakes to accommodate all those whose flights had been cancelled on alternative departures, or issue a full refund on unused portions of tickets.

Customers who wish to claim a refund and who booked directly with Singapore Airlines are advised to use the carrier’s Customer Assistance form online, while those who booked through a third-party operator or partner airline should contact the travel agent or partner directly.

Some customers have responded angrily, posting comments online (Singapore Airlines’ Facebook page), blaming air show organisers for holding an event in such a “tiny place as Singapore,” questioning the location in Changi, and pointing out that “thousands” of flyers must be affected. The Changi Airshow is an important MICE event, hosting over 1,000 companies from more than 50 countries—some of whom may have been expecting to fly in during the period of disruption.

L’article Singapore Airlines cancels flights for 11 days due to Singapore Airshow airspace closure est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

In the transition towards the goal of net-zero carbon emissions for international aviation by 2050, as set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), sustainable aviation fuel is considered an important asset. Made from waste products and plant material, SAF could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to normal fossil jet fuels, according to Neste, a Finnish oil refining and marketing company.

At the moment, however, demand far surpasses supply, making SAF a costly subject. To make the decarbonation process of its aviation industry more feasible and to support Singapore’s goal of having 1% of all jet fuel used at the Changi and Seletar Airports come from SAF by 2026, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has announced the introduction of a state-wide SAF levy.

“The introduction of the SAF Levy marks a major step forward in Singapore’s effort to build a more sustainable and competitive air hub. It provides a mechanism for all aviation users to do their part to contribute to sustainability at a cost which is manageable for the air hub. We need to make a start. We have done so in a measured way, and we are giving industry, businesses and the public time to adjust”, said Han Kok Juan, director general of CAAS.

One levy, multiple factors

The levy will apply to all passengers departing from the country (those who are simply transiting will not be concerned) as of 1 October 2026. Tickets sold from 1 April 2026 onwards will be subject to the tax, the amount of which will depend on two factors.

Firstly, the cabin in which the passenger will be flying will determine part of the tax. Economy and Premium seats will be categorised as ‘Economy’, while Business and First Class seats will be considered as ‘Premium’. Secondly, the distance travelled by passengers will play a role. Destinations have been categorised by four geographical bands:

1. Southeast Asia
2. Northeast Asia, South Asia, Australia, and Papua New Guinea
3. Africa, Central and West Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Pacific Islands, and New Zealand
4. The Americas

Following that categorisation, prices will range from S$1 (€0.66) for economy class passengers flying to Bangkok or S$10.40 (€6.89) for those travelling to New York. Levies for Premium travellers will be multiplied by four. Cargo will be taxed by the kilogram, while general and business aviation flights are to be charged on a per-aircraft basis.

The new levy will be paid directly by the passenger and will be displayed as a distinct line item on airline tickets. Thereafter, all levies will go into a statutory SAF fund to be managed by CAAS.

“The Singapore Sustainable Aviation Fuel Company Ltd. (SAFCo) will manage the procurement, allocation, and administration of SAF and EAs, to get the best value for money and ensure transparency and accountability in the use of the fund. CAAS will continue to engage airlines, aircraft operators, and other industry stakeholders in the coming weeks and work with them on implementation”, CAAS declared in a statement.

Whether or not passengers will end up paying the full levy themselves or not, remains to be seen, as it is possible that airlines will adapt their fares accordingly in order to remain competitive in the region.

L’article Singapore becomes first nation to tax air travellers on aviation fuel est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Previously, Singapore’s National Aviation Safety Plan already listed a multitude of key safety risks: loss of control in-flight, mid-air collision, runway excursion, runway incursion, controlled flight into terrain, system/component failure, and abnormal runway contact. Together, they were responsible for ten incidents over the 2022-2024 period.

However, over the course of 2024, Singapore-registered aircraft were also hit by two accidents caused by flight turbulence. On 21 May 2024, a Boeing 777 flying from London to Singapore experienced severe turbulence in Myanmar, resulting in the death of one 73-year-old passenger and multiple injuries. Months later, on 6 September 2024, a Boeing 787-9 was hit by turbulence in Hong Kong during descent, leaving one passenger and one cabin crew seriously injured.

Increasing risk of turbulence

Since those incidents, Singapore-based airlines have been implementing a series of measures to minimise the impact of events caused by turbulence, according to the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore.

“These include incorporating turbulence-related scenarios as part of evidence-based training for flight crew. This ensures that they are well-prepared to manage turbulence encounters. The use of modern weather radars and turbulence awareness applications also enables flight crews to avoid areas of potentially hazardous turbulence”, the National Aviation Safety Plan writes.

Images have emerged from inside SQ321 after hitting severe turbulence while enroute to Singapore, killing one passenger. https://t.co/sPhFfVr1Tb pic.twitter.com/IngvtijtAD

— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) May 21, 2024

The CAAS has also been working with international civil aviation authorities to promote the use of enhanced turbulence forecasting and onboard turbulence detection systems, while sharing real-time turbulence data. Nonetheless, the CAAS still considers flight turbulence as a developing safety risk area where more work can be done.

“Singapore has today one of the strongest aviation safety regimes in the world. Notwithstanding this, the recent spate of serious aviation safety incidents around the world is a timely reminder that we must stay vigilant and not take safety for granted. The National Aviation Safety Plan is a call to action for the Singapore aviation sector to work together to ensure aviation safety as we position ourselves for growth”, said Mr Han Kok Juan, Director-General of CAAS.

While the inclusion of flight turbulence in the National Aviation Safety Plan by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore is notable, the timing is not random. According to climate researchers, flyers are likely to experience more air turbulence in future decades due to the effects of climate change, and the type of turbulence set to increase is unpredictable. Governments around the world have already been working together to map some of the world’s most turbulence-prone flight routes, making it easier for both passengers and flight crew to be prepared for such an event.

L’article Singapore aviation authority classifies flight turbulence as key safety risk est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Government policy has been an important driver of the longevity gains seen in the last six decades, during which average life expectancy in Singapore has increased by a whopping 35%. Taxation on tobacco products and alcohol, coupled with public smoking bans, has improved both public health and air quality. 

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In a region whose cuisine uses rich ingredients such as sugar, salt and coconut milk, food labelling is lagging somewhat behind, but new mandatory nutrition labelling is said to be influencing consumer choices. A food market that increasingly must cater to international convenience could jeopardise that progress.

Still, reinforcing government intervention and personal responsibility is a safety net in the form of a health system ranked best in the world according to the Legatum Prosperity Index, for both access to care and health outcomes.

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Approaches to the lived urban environment also contribute to Singaporeans’ health and well-being. Alongside good public transport options and an emphasis on mobility and walkability, parks and green spaces are integrated into the cityscape in such a way that Singapore has been nicknamed the “garden city.”

The tropical Botanic Gardens, smack in the centre of the city, are unique in the world in being UNESCO-recognised, while East Coast Park is perhaps a lesser-known option offering kilometres of sandy, seaside walks.

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Alongside all those options for finding peace and quiet, social cohesion is part of what makes Singapore work so well. Among one of the most diverse populations in the world, a sense of calm and collective responsibility is reportedly promoted by notoriously strict laws against drugs, jaywalking, littering, and smoking in public, breaking which will result in hefty fines and punishments.

That strong social fabric is an important element of the Blue Zone methodology. But even in Singapore, tensions have been expressed over the way development is taking place. An addition to the city’s Marina Bay district –  in the shape of a fourth tower and a Las Vegas-branded hotel and entertainment complex on what is a highly recognisable skyline – has caused some locals to complain about changes to their beloved vista. And as the island targets more and more tourists, it remains to be seen whether the outlook in this particular Blue Zone will stay as sunny as in recent years.

L’article Can Singapore maintain its Blue Zone lifestyle amid growing tourism? est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Their study, funded by the Singaporean Ministry of Education, the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, and the Institute for Health Innovation & Technology was published in ACS Central Science journal, explains how they harnessed a principle known as “plug flow” by allowing water to flow from a tower through a metal needle into a narrow tube in short bursts. This caused the droplets to form short columns of water separated by air pockets.

Materials coming into contact with each other can gain or lose their surface charges – witness the way rubbing a balloon on one’s hair creates “static electricity.” So, as the spurts of water and air then passed through the 32-cm tall, 2mm-wide vertical polymer tube and against its conductive inner skin into a cup positioned below, the unbalanced electrical surface charges separated and were harvested by wires.

'Plug Flow: Generating Renewable Electricity with Water from Nature by Breaking the Limit of Debye Length' in ACS Central Science was featured as an ACS Science Release.

Read the release: https://t.co/wki3sZ8XPY
Read the article: https://t.co/0fZzlZ0Ew5 pic.twitter.com/TxJfk0CGBt

— ACS Publications (@ACSPublications) April 29, 2025

The experiment managed to convert more than 10% of the energy of the water falling through the tubes into electricity – a far more efficient result than previously thought possible. What’s more, that positive result was produced in conditions where the droplets were flowing far more slowly than rainfall, leading the researchers to hypothesise that a rainfall system could generate even more energy, even more efficiently.

Taking things a step further, the chemical and biomolecular engineers then tried sending the water through two tubes, both simultaneously and sequentially, and were able to double the energy output. This led them to try chanelling the water through four tubes, via which they successfully powered 12 LEDs (light-emitting-diodes) for 20 seconds.

While the idea of hydroelectricity usually conjures images of gigantic, costly, and sometimes damaging infrastructure such as damns, water turbines, and power plants, along large bodies of water like rivers, the Singapore team has proven a process that indicates clean and renewable electricity could be generated from much smaller amounts of water – even raindrops. It’s a more human-sized technology that could be installed in urban locations, such as in the roofs of dwellings and other buildings, they point out.

“The setup is simple; no equipment is needed,” the researchers explain. “Hence, it is inexpensive and environmentally friendly to install, operate, and maintain,” and they add: “scaling up can be achieved readily in three dimensions for large-scale harvesting of energy from nature. It can be used anywhere, including in urbanized areas.”

L’article Singaporean scientists turn raindrops into electricity in clean energy breakthrough est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

The development will add a controversial fourth tower to the Marina Bay district’s highly recognisable skyline – a series of three existing towers topped and joined up by a skybridge that resembles a huge surfboard. The whole looks like a giant cricket wicket. Locals have already complained that adding a fourth tower will ruin the vista.

But the new block is supposed not to interfere with that set up, standing apart so as not to be “just more of the same,” the architect has said. Whether or not it is welcome or out-of-place, it will add a 55-storey hotel with 570 suites, offering views of the bay and the Singapore Strait. There will also be a 15,000-seat arena for performances and large-scale events, retail and dining spaces, and wellness and spa facilities – including a rooftop garden and infinity-edge pools.

The studio behind the design is Safdie Architects, which was responsible for the neighbouring Marina Bay Sands project. Plans include two curved wings rising to look out across Singapore’s skyline. The so-called “Skyloop” will possess overlapping elliptical volumes spiralling outward, providing 360-degree views and over 7,000m² of public and private areas for guests. The boat-like structure is intended to look like part of the same family as its predecessor.

For a destination that markets itself as a “City in Nature”, sustainability is high on the agenda. Accordingly, the design is said to be inspired by the city-state’s greenery and will have biophilic elements incorporated.

Private terraces will host gardens, and native tree species will be planted throughout the resort. A self-shading façade and high-performance glazing promise to reduce solar heat transfer and improve energy efficiency, while construction materials such as recycled steel will help to keep the carbon footprint low. Waste management processes will divert three-quarters of the building waste from landfills.

Micro-mobility and connectivity is also a key part of the plan. A direct link to Bayfront MRT station and “seamless” pedestrian access will take guests to neighboring attractions, including the new arena and Gardens by the Bay – an urban park spanning 105 hectares.

As well as the cultural impact of the resort, press materials emphasise the economic and employment opportunities it will generate through direct and indirect job creation, as well as the business support for city enterprises, pointing out that 92% of the Marina Bay Sands procurement programme went to local firms.

Singapore hit record tourist numbers in 2019 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic but has not fully recovered from the effect of lockdown restrictions. Nonetheless, in 2024, it welcomed 16.5 million international tourists – around three times the city’s resident population.

L’article Singapore set to gain controversial $8 billion resort with “Skyloop” and arena est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Jetstar Asia has grappled with significant hurdles, including high airport fees, competition from regional budget rivals and a projected AU$35 million (€19.74 million) loss for the 2025 financial year. These challenges, combined with supplier costs, surging have rendered the airline’s operations financially unviable. “We have seen some of Jetstar Asia’s supplier costs increase by up to 200%, which has materially changed its cost base,” said Qantas Group Chief Executive Vanessa Hudson in a statement.

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The closure will disrupt 16 intra-Asia routes linking Singapore to destinations such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Furthermore, over 500 employees will face layoffs, though Jetstar Group Chief Executive Stephanie Tully reaffirmed the company’s dedication to supporting its workforce. “We have an exceptional team who provide world-leading customer service and best in class operational performance, and our focus is on supporting them through this process and helping them to find new roles in the industry,” she said. All affected employees will receive redundancy benefits.

According to Qantas Group, the closing of its intra-Asia airline will free up to $500 million in capital, which will then be redirected towards upgrading the group’s aircraft fleet. Up to 13 Airbus A320 aircrafts currently operated by Jetstar Asia will be reassigned to routes within Australia and New Zealand, enhancing operational efficiency.

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The closure will not impact Jetstar Airways and Jetstar Japan operations within Asia, nor will it affect any of Jetstar Airways’ international flights to and from Australia and connect locations like Thailand, Indonesia, and Japan. Despite the shutdown, Qantas will still offer budget-friendly flights to various destinations through its Jetstar Airways brand.

Jetstar Asia began operations in 2004 as Qantas sought to tap into Asia’s expanding low-cost airline market but has encountered growing competition from other budget carriers such as AirAsia and Scoot. Jetstar Asia’s closure reflects the intense competition in Asia’s low-cost sector, where rivals have leveraged larger fleets and lower operating costs to dominate.

L’article Low-cost carrier Jetstar Asia set to close at the end of July est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.

Changi International Airport is the fourth busiest globally and has the USP that every flight in and out is international. From Changi, travellers can fly direct to 170 cities but the award-winning hub acts almost as a tourist attraction in its own right, boasting a cinema, a rooftop swimming pool, and a range of gardens and amenities, such as a wellness area and a 10-storey luxury retail space with the world’s largest indoor waterfall, added in 2019 and accessible even to non-flyers.

“Personalized and stress-free”

Announced in 2013 but delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Changi’s Terminal 5 is now finally underway and by the mid-2030s will add what Yam Kum Weng, CEO of the Changi Group, has called a “mega yet cozy” facility. Destined to be the primary terminal for Singapore Airlines as well as its low-cost subsidiary Scoot, it is set to offer “a personalized, stress-free and positively surprising airport experience,” Yam Kum Weng said.

With an initial target to handle up to 50,000 million passengers a year, that “stress-free” feel will be achieved partly by the contactless system to be installed in the new terminal, allowing passengers to go document-free and instead use biometrics to pass through checkpoints.

Changi Airport’s story mirrors Singapore’s — bold, visionary, and undaunted by challenges. Two years ago, I stood on the site where Terminal 5 would one day rise. Today, we break ground and begin building this next chapter in our aviation journey. pic.twitter.com/KkWjdEiFSg

— Lawrence Wong (@LawrenceWongST) May 14, 2025

Super low energy

The climate and future-proofing for potential crises are also part of the architect’s thinking. Designated a Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy building, Terminal 5 will need to deal with Singapore’s southeast Asian tropical weather patterns, which include high temperatures, heavy rains, and high humidity. One of the largest rooftop solar installations in the island city-state will provide enough energy to run the airport as well as up to 20,000 four-room dwellings, while a ventilation system and layered roof design enable parts of the terminal to be isolated into “mini-terminals” in case of emergencies or disease-control measures.

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Attending the ground-breaking ceremony on 14 May 2025, Singapore’s Prime Minister and Finance Minister Lawrence Wong said the new infrastructure would increase Changi’s capacity by over 50%, with an ambition to take the airport’s connections to over 200 city destinations around the world. It will also complete Changi’s ground transportation connectivity with mobility options including train, bus, taxi and other transport services boosting the airport’s accessibility from around Singapore.

L’article Work on “mega yet cozy” fifth terminal for Singapore’s Changi Airport begins at last est apparu en premier sur Travel Tomorrow.