COVID-19 Airline Rules
This information is updated as of 12 June 2020. You are encouraged to check new updates regarding the regulations at your local airport, airline and destination of arrival.
As air travel begins to gradually resume during this outbreak, airlines are taking the steps to ensure fliers are feeling safe in their airplanes with new regulations.
In some instances, you may be required to submit a negative result before flying, or get tested on-site before boarding an airplane. A lot of airplanes do not require your test results, however other measures such as temperature checks, social distancing and wearing masks are a must.
Here is what we know regarding the latest policies among the airlines:
Malaysia Airlines
For Malaysia Airlines, prior testing is not needed, but you may be tested upon arrival in Malaysia. Malaysia Airlines also requires all passengers to bring and wear their own protective masks. Starting 10th June, all individuals entering Malaysia through International Arrivals will be able to undergo 14-day self-quarantine at their own homes. This is subject to them being cleared from COVID-19 by the Ministry of Health after undergoing health screening upon arrival.
For Malaysians entering Sarawak, samples would be taken at random among arrivals at the state’s main air, sea and land entry points.
ANA Airlines
ANA (All Nippon Airways) Airlines do not require a prior testing before onboarding the flight for domestic travels. As updated on 9th June, travelers may need to wear a mask and if temperature screening shows that you have a fever, you will not be allowed to get onboard the flight.
JAL Airlines
Japan Airlines do not indicate that you need a prior negative testing before onboarding the flight. But starting 1st June, passengers will now be required to wear a face mask when traveling on JAL Group flights, except for infants under 2 years of age and passengers who have medical conditions. You will be refused boarding if you are not wearing a face mask or showing symptoms.
Air Asia
For Air Asia, the following is required for Indonesia (as of 9th June):
・All domestic flight guests are required to present Health certificate in English that proves non reactive COVID-19 Rapid Test results that is valid for or a maximum of 3 days, or negative RT-PCR result that is valid for a maximum of 7 days on the day of departure after its issuance by health facility in the country of origin, or a health certificate showing no flu-like symptoms issued by a medical doctor from a hospital or public health facility for areas without PCR test/ rapid test facilities. ・Guests arriving from abroad are urged to have a valid health certificate in English with negative COVID-19 PCR Test results issued by a health facility in the country of origin, if not, there would be PCR Test undertaken upon arrival. While waiting for the PCR test results, Guests will be quarantined at government facilities or other accommodation (hotels/inns) authorised by the Ministry of Health.
Batik Air / Garuda Indonesia
No prior test is required, but those arriving in Indonesia should present a test result as stated above for Air Asia.
Korean Airlines
As updated on 28th April, Korean Airlines do not require prior testing, but will not let those who are experiencing fever to board the flight.
Outside of meal times, it is compulsory to wear your mask permanently at all times on board.
Asiana Airlines
Nor prior test is needed, but all passengers are required to wear a mask.
Philippine Airlines
Prior testing is not required, but additional screening will be conducted, so passengers would need to arrive at least 4 hours before onboarding for check-in.
Please note that as updated on 11th May, if you are an international passenger arriving in Manila, you will undergo a swab test (RT PCR Covid 19 testing) to be performed by trained personnel from the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) upon arrival.
While awaiting test results, passengers must stay either in a government-designated stringent quarantine facility or in a BOQ approved quarantine hotel.
Cebu Pacific Air
All international flights are suspended until 1st July, 2020.
Lion Air
For both international and domestic flights, one must present COVID-19 free health certificate / with negative results for a maximum of 7 days after results of the test came out.
Thai Airlines
No prior testing is needed, but in an update as of 26th March, passengers may be required to present a health certificate indicating that you are fit to fly.
Bangkok Airways
No prior testing is needed, but regulations may be subject to destination of arrival.
Cathay Pacific/Cathay Dragon
Testing is required for (as of 10th June update):
· Swab test in their country of origin in the 14 days prior to arrival to Malaysia (showing a negative result for COVID-19).
· All passengers arriving into Hong Kong will be required to undergo a medical test for COVID-19 upon completion of all health, immigration, customs and quarantine clearance requirements.
Other destinations do not require testing, however it’s best to check on the regulations at the arriving destination.
Singapore Airlines
As updated on 1st June, no prior testing is needed, but tests may be performed upon arrival, such as in Manila.
Malindo Air
No prior testing is needed, but regulations may be subject to destination of arrival.
China Airlines
No prior testing is needed, but for destinations in China and Taiwan, a health declaration form is needed (effective 21st March and 3rd May respectively).
Vietnam Airlines
Effective 19th March, health declaration form should be submitted for all flights, and those who have fever will be denied boarding. It is also a must to wear a mask.
Eva Airways
No prior testing is needed, however effective 21st April, those arriving in Taiwan must submit a health declaration form. In addition, passengers who are detected with fever will be denied onboarding.
Scoot
No prior testing is needed, but it’s important to remind passengers that:
· Flights to China are temporarily suspended entry until further notice
· Flights to India are temporarily suspended entry until 30th June 2020
Other tests may be done upon arrival, subject to regulations at the end destination.
Air India
As updated on 1st June, only those from Italy / Korea must submit a certificate proven tested negative from COVID19 to enter India. If body temperature exceeds standard or has not passed 14 days of quarantine whichever necessary, passengers can be denied boarding.
This information is updated as of 12 June 2020. You are encouraged to check new updates regarding the regulations at your local airport, airplane and destination of arrival.
