Firefly suspends flight operations to Singapore from 1 December 2018

Report by : Gan Yung Chyan
                  / KUCINTA SETIA
Distributed to All Press & Travel Professionals

Firefly has decided to suspend flights to Singapore from 1 December 2018 due to "unresolved issues" with Changi Airport Group on the move of its turboprop flight operations from Changi Airport to Seletar Airport.

Under Changi Airport Group's plan, Firefly is supposed to begin commercial flights from Seletar to Kuantan, Subang and Ipoh from 1 December 2018. 

The decision for Firefly's flight suspensions. however, is believed to be commercial-based and logistic-based as Firefly's operations from Seletar Airport will not connect with its parent company Malaysia Airlines' flights from Changi to Kuala Lumpur, Miri and other Malaysian cities. Besides, there are no convenient land transport links between Seletar and Changi Airports.


Passengers boarding flights at Seletar Airport can reach the new terminal by public bus service 102, with the bus stop conveniently located 50 metres from the terminal and accessible via a sheltered walkway or by taxis and private hire cars. Bus 102 provides connectivity from the Seletar Airport area to Hougang Central Bus Interchange, Sengkang MRT station and Jalan Kayu. Passengers arriving from Changi Airport must transfer at Tanah Merah, Paya Lebar and Serangoon MRT stations for onward travel towards Sengkang MRT station via the Northeast Line.

Travelling from Seletar Airport

Passengers on commercial flights at Seletar Airport can look forward to checking in via four check-in counters in the departure hall, before proceeding to a comfortable departure gate holdroom. Spanning 10,000 square metres, the new two-storey terminal of Seletar also features more space for arrival immigration, baggage claim and a meeters-and-greeters hall, designed to provide a warm and hassle-free reception. A café in the departure area serves refreshments and quick bites to passengers, while a garden courtyard brings nature and a relaxed atmosphere to passengers and airport users.

On the airside, three parking stands adjacent to the new terminal enable quick boarding for passengers of commercial flights, and a faster turnaround time for the aircraft. Another 60 aircraft stands are located elsewhere in the airside of Seletar Airport, serving business and general aviation needs.

Seletar Airport, which is ready to handle scheduled commercial flights and all scheduled turboprop flights in Singapore from 1 December 2018, begins operations at its new passenger terminal on 19 November 2018. All operations have been transferred from the old terminal, situated at the west of the Seletar aerodrome, to the new one at the east. The new passenger terminal welcomed its first passengers on 19 November 2018 through the business aviation wing of the terminal.

Seletar Airport meets the relevant requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization on airport design and operations. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore has certified that the new facilities and infrastructure at Singapore's second commercial airport are ready for aircraft operations. These include both scheduled and non-scheduled services.

The new terminal includes the Seletar Business Aviation Centre, which comprises a separate drop-off area and a dedicated check-in and lounge area where business aviation passengers can enjoy quick pre-departure and arrival clearance in a comfortable setting. The facility also provides meeting facilities on the second level where passengers can conduct meetings in a conducive environment before their departure.