S'pore to restrict airspace during Trump-Kim meet

Singapore airspace will be restricted during the planned US-N Korea summit next week, according to a notice to airmen posted by aviation authorities yesterday, which is likely to result in delays at one of Asia's busiest airports.

The Southeast Asian city-state is set to host an historic meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on June 12 and has increased security across the island.

The notice, published on the websites of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), said airspace over Singapore will be temporarily restricted for parts of June 11, 12 and 13, reported Reuters.

Travellers are advised to expect delays for flights arriving at and departing from Singapore during this period.

A separate notice on the ICAO website warned aviators to keep clear of the Paya Lebar Air Base, a military facility in the east of the island that has been used by US presidents on past visits. The notice said aircraft that breach the restrictions "may be intercepted".

Meanwhile, Singapore's foreign minister will make a two-day trip to Pyongyang starting today as preparations for the summit accelerate.

The White House said  the summit will be on Singapore's southern island of Sentosa, reported AFP. Spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said in a Twitter post that the venue would be the Capella Hotel on Sentosa and thanked Singaporeans for their hospitality.