This story was printed from TODAYonline 
Monday • January 28, 2008
"It was a tactical decision, and one that is sensible and safe."
This was Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean's answer yesterday when asked to comment on why the Australian-registered civilian plane that breached Singapore's air security on Jan 22 was diverted to Changi Airport, instead of other airports. There were 23 flight disruptions for nearly an hour.
"These are tactical decisions, which have to be made … with the safest and most sensible way to ensure that the civilian population and air traffic in Singapore are taken care of," he told Today at the sidelines of an emergency preparedness event at Pasir Ris Elias Community Club.
Two Australians on board the Cessna 208 Caravan float airplane are assisting police with investigations.
Mr Teo also said the incident showed that Singapore must "continue to be vigilant. It has been some years since we had our last interception. But even so, we had maintained a high state of vigilance and readiness. It is necessary in this day and age to do so".
Singapore's air security was last breached in August 2003 when a Portugese-registered aircraft, which met with electrical problems, was diverted by two A4 Skyhawk jets to Seletar airport.
— Nazry Bahrawi