Singapore Airlines cancels Dubai flights amid rising Middle East conflict; Singaporeans risk losing SkillsFuture $500 credit by year-end: Singapore live news

Yahoo

4 hours ago

Singapore Airlines (SIA) has suspended flights to and from Dubai after US strikes on Iran triggered fresh security concerns. The cancellations come after a security assessment of escalating regional risks. More SIA flights could be impacted as the situation evolves. FlightRadar24 shows airlines steering clear of airspace over Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Israel, taking longer – and more expensive – routes around the conflict zone.
The move mirrors similar decisions by British Airways, Air France, and U.S. carriers, which are bracing for fuel hikes and volatile conditions. With oil prices rising and tensions unresolved, airlines worldwide are entering turbulence – both literally and financially. More on the flight chaos that hit SIA and other airlines here.
With just over six months to go, more than 70 per cent of eligible Singaporeans have yet to tap into the $500 one-off SkillsFuture credit top-up issued in 2020. The top-up – meant to support pandemic-era reskilling – expires on 31 December 2025. Training in AI, digital marketing, and cyber security is trending, but most users haven't taken the leap. SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) actively encouraging citizens to use its digital tools and advisory services before it's too late. If you're eligible, this may be your last chance to upgrade your skills at no cost. Read more on the expiring $500 SkillsFuture credit here.
Read more in our live blog below, including the latest local and international news and updates.
With just over six months to go, more than 70 per cent of Singaporeans eligible for the one-off $500 SkillsFuture credit top-up still haven't used it. Issued in 2020 to encourage upskilling during the pandemic, the credit expires on 31 December 2025 – with no plans for extension.
Despite rising demand for courses in AI, cybersecurity, and digital marketing, only 28 per cent have tapped into the credit. That leaves roughly 1.8 million Singaporeans at risk of missing out on free career development funds.
SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) is now intensifying its outreach – rolling out reminder emails, promoting its Careers and Skills Passport, and offering free advisory services. But with the deadline fast approaching, the agency says the onus is on individuals to act.
Notably, Singaporeans aged 40 and above now receive an additional $4,000 mid-career credit, but this is separate from the $500 top-up at risk of expiry. To qualify, courses must begin and be claimed by the end of 2025.
Read on the expiring SkillsFuture credit here.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) has suspended multiple flights to and from Dubai following a security reassessment tied to rising conflict in the Middle East. This move comes after US military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites prompted carriers globally to steer clear of Iranian, Iraqi, and Syrian airspace.
As war risk zones expand, major airlines – including British Airways, Air France, and United Airlines – are also cancelling Gulf-bound flights or diverting around the region, despite increased costs and extended flight times. Flight tracking data shows large portions of regional airspace remain eerily empty.
For Singapore Airlines, the route disruption is significant. Since the closure of Russian skies, Middle East corridors became vital to link Asia with Europe. Now, that lifeline is under threat again. SIA warns that further cancellations are possible as the geopolitical situation remains fluid.
Global air safety groups have flagged heightened risks for US and allied carriers, citing potential retaliatory action from Iran or its proxies. Even as Israel reopens its skies temporarily for rescue operations, the outlook for commercial aviation remains uncertain.
Passengers are urged to check their flight statuses. With airspace tightening and oil prices ticking up, the skies over the Middle East just got a lot more turbulent – for airlines and travellers alike.
Read on how the Middle East chaos grounded key global flights here.
With just over six months to go, more than 70 per cent of Singaporeans eligible for the one-off $500 SkillsFuture credit top-up still haven't used it. Issued in 2020 to encourage upskilling during the pandemic, the credit expires on 31 December 2025 – with no plans for extension.
Despite rising demand for courses in AI, cybersecurity, and digital marketing, only 28 per cent have tapped into the credit. That leaves roughly 1.8 million Singaporeans at risk of missing out on free career development funds.
SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) is now intensifying its outreach – rolling out reminder emails, promoting its Careers and Skills Passport, and offering free advisory services. But with the deadline fast approaching, the agency says the onus is on individuals to act.
Notably, Singaporeans aged 40 and above now receive an additional $4,000 mid-career credit, but this is separate from the $500 top-up at risk of expiry. To qualify, courses must begin and be claimed by the end of 2025.
Read on the expiring SkillsFuture credit here.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) has suspended multiple flights to and from Dubai following a security reassessment tied to rising conflict in the Middle East. This move comes after US military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites prompted carriers globally to steer clear of Iranian, Iraqi, and Syrian airspace.
As war risk zones expand, major airlines – including British Airways, Air France, and United Airlines – are also cancelling Gulf-bound flights or diverting around the region, despite increased costs and extended flight times. Flight tracking data shows large portions of regional airspace remain eerily empty.
For Singapore Airlines, the route disruption is significant. Since the closure of Russian skies, Middle East corridors became vital to link Asia with Europe. Now, that lifeline is under threat again. SIA warns that further cancellations are possible as the geopolitical situation remains fluid.
Global air safety groups have flagged heightened risks for US and allied carriers, citing potential retaliatory action from Iran or its proxies. Even as Israel reopens its skies temporarily for rescue operations, the outlook for commercial aviation remains uncertain.
Passengers are urged to check their flight statuses. With airspace tightening and oil prices ticking up, the skies over the Middle East just got a lot more turbulent – for airlines and travellers alike.
Read on how the Middle East chaos grounded key global flights here.