POOR visibility owing to the severe smog that is shrouding Singapore is being cited as the reason for the closure of the city's secondary Seletar Airport, which largely handles regional electronic freight.

The choking haze caused by forest fires in neighbouringIndonesia forced the closure of Seletar Airport from the morning of June 20, a measure that will remain in place until conditions improve and subject to visibility conditions.

The airport's closure has brought flight departures and arrivals to a halt. On the first day of the airport's closure two arrivals were diverted to other airports, and eight departure flights were cancelled during this period, said a statement from Changi Airport Group, which manages Seletar and Changi airports.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore and Changi Airport Group are closely monitoring the visibility before a decision can be made to recommence flight operations at SeletarAirport.