Travelers arrive at the departure hall in Singapore Changi airport in Singapore on March 31, 2023. A disruption at automated immigration clearance counters led to rare delays, affecting hundreds of travelers. (Photo: AFP) Singapore (VNA) – Flights were delayed at Singapore’s Changi Airport on March 31 due to issues with the immigration clearance system.
The Singaporean Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) informed the matter on its Facebook, and advised travellers to postpone all non-essential travel, where applicable.
Passengers queued up at Terminals 1 and 4 at Changi Airport with a rare scene of chaos. Responding to the situation, airport authority quickly set up several manual check-in counters, giving priority to assisting passengers to complete exit procedures with early flights. The airport had advised travellers to head to the airport earlier.
Long queues of other vehicles were also seen at two border gates between Singapore and neighbouring Malaysia, affecting traffic at intersections.
According to the ICA, only lanes using the automated system are affected. The agency has mobilised more staff to support and handle the situation, ensure order, and recommend passengers to cooperate with authorities./.
