Flight jitters hit some S'poreans

Some Singaporeans have got the jitters after Malaysia Airlines Flight 370's disappearance and are changing their travel plans.

Assistant general manager of Super Travels, Mr Larry Seah, said his agency has seen a 20 per cent drop in inquiries for tours to China.

"There's a psychological fear that flying along the same route might not be a good idea," said Mr Seah. "I think when such a big disaster happens there is always the fear factor."

Meanwhile, Ms Zheng Ling Na, assistant marketing manager at Travel Star, said at least 10 per cent more outbound customers now choose to fly using Singapore Airlines instead of budget carriers.

"I suspect it's because SQ has a reputation for being safe," said Ms Zheng.

This comes amid reports that a major Chinese tour operator has suspended new bookings with Malaysia Airlines and rebooked current itineraries with other carriers.

Chinese travel agents have also reported significant drops in bookings between China and Malaysia.

Local agency Dynasty Travel has observed a 50 per cent fall in inquiries from Chinese tourists intending to visit Singapore, to just 10 a week.

"But my guess is that it is short-term and that we would likely see a full recovery in about three months," said Ms Alicia Seah, the agency's director of marketing and communications.

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