Firefly Cancels Flights to Singapore Due to Haze from Indonesian Fires

Firefly, a Malaysian low-cost airline, has extended the suspension of its flights between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore through Wednesday as smoke from fires in Indonesia continues to affect air quality in the region. The airline announced the cancellations as IQAir, an air quality monitor, ranked Singapore and Kuala Lumpur as the world's two most polluted cities on Tuesday. Firefly stated that flights between Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB) near Kuala Lumpur and Seletar Airport in Singapore (XSP) have been cancelled due to 'weather and haze conditions,' describing the action as a 'proactive safety measure.' The fires, primarily located on the Indonesian islands of Sumatra and Borneo, are reported to be the most intense in 11 years, exacerbated by El Nino, a significant weather pattern. IQAir reported that the Air Quality Index in Singapore was 199 on Tuesday and 183 in Kuala Lumpur, with readings above 150 considered unhealthy. Firefly, a subsidiary of Malaysia Aviation Group, which includes Malaysia Airlines, initially announced the flight cancellations on October 10, citing 'low visibility' due to haze. Affected passengers are being rebooked on Malaysia Airlines flights between Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Singapore's Changi Airport, subject to seat availability. In response to the haze, the Singapore government has reintroduced subsidized care for haze-related illnesses, a measure last implemented in 2015. In Malaysia, schools reopened in most states on Tuesday as air quality improved slightly, although they remain closed in three states, one federal territory, and several districts. Malaysia's foreign minister, Mohamad Hasan, stated that he would advocate for stronger regional mechanisms during the upcoming meeting of foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next month. He noted that while there is an ASEAN mechanism for natural disasters, haze is not classified as such. The Philippines, which is chairing ASEAN this year, confirmed that the issue will be discussed at the meeting preceding the 49th ASEAN summit in Manila. Mohamad also mentioned that Indonesia has deployed approximately 60,000 personnel to combat the fires, but thick smoke has grounded 34 aircraft, including planes and helicopters. He acknowledged Indonesia's efforts but called for more effective action, highlighting the impact on Malaysian communities.