South-east Asian airlines to gain stopover rights in 2025

 

South-east Asian airline operators can offer stopovers within ASEAN member states starting next year; photo by umitc

Airline operators from South-east Asia will be able to offer stopovers within ASEAN member states starting next year, once all 10 ASEAN countries sign Protocol 5 on Own Stopover Rights between Points within the Territory of Other ASEAN member states.

Malaysia’s transport minister Anthony Loke revealed on November 22 that South-east Asia based airlines are allowed to make stopovers at ASEAN member state airports before heading to another point in the region.

In his explanation to The Star, Loke said: “If an airline flies from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, that same flight can (then continue) on to Bali, Indonesia. From there, (it) can also proceed to other airports within ASEAN member states.'”

He added that the move would further boost regional air connectivity and benefit airlines. At the same time, it will enhance operational flexibility for carriers, promote tourism, and enhance trade by providing more seamless and convenient air travel options across the region.

To date, all ASEAN member states have signed Protocol 5 except for Myanmar and Indonesia.

The signing of Protocol 5 was held in conjunction with the 30th ASEAN Transport Ministers and 58th Senior Transport Officials Meetings held in Kuala Lumpur from November 18 to 22.

These meetings brought together South-east Asian transport leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to engage in high-level discussions on advancing both regional and global connectivity, as well as fostering economic prosperity.

Loke also shared that the ASEAN-New Zealand Air Services Agreement and its Protocol 1, resulting from the meeting, marked an important step in strengthening aviation relations between South-east Asia and New Zealand.

Under the agreement, the airlines designated by ASEAN member states and New Zealand will have greater opportunities to operate passenger and/or cargo services between and beyond South-east Asia and New Zealand.

The airlines will be able to operate such services with unlimited third and fourth freedom traffic rights, as specified in Protocol 1 of the ASEAN-New Zealand Air Services Agreement, which will lead to increased direct connections and the expansion of air transport services between the respective ASEAN member states and New Zealand.

-TTG Asia.