In a dramatic shift in the aviation landscape, Singapore Airlines (SIA) and its budget counterpart, Scoot, are gearing up for a significant increase in flights across Asia, following the impending closure of Jetstar Asia on July 31.

Jetstar Asia, once a staple at Changi Airport with approximately 180 weekly flights and 2.3 million passengers yearly, announced its shutdown due to mounting costs and fierce competition. This exit opens up a prime opportunity for SIA and Scoot to enhance their market presence.

Scoot Steps Up!

To fill the void left by Jetstar, Scoot is set to introduce new flights to the picturesque destinations of Okinawa, Japan, and Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. These were exclusive routes that Jetstar offered, and their loss would have been keenly felt by travelers.

Flight Adjustments and Expansions

In response to Jetstar's departure, SIA has confirmed that it will adapt its flight schedules and network to cater to rising travel demands. A spokesperson revealed that full flight details will soon be announced, but adjustments are already in motion.

Scoot is looking to boost its services to Bangkok, ramping up flights from 35 to 39 per week in August, and further to 42 by the end of October. Additionally, flights to Penang will increase from 21 to 28 times a week.

Enhanced Services for Popular Routes

Singapore's flagship carrier, SIA, will enhance its Singapore-Manila route from 28 to 35 weekly flights. Meanwhile, Scoot aims to maintain 14 flights per week to Manila, upgrading half of these to larger Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets.

Future Plans on the Horizon

Looking ahead, SIA plans to amplify its flights to popular destinations such as Colombo and Jakarta and increase services to Phuket and Bali. Moreover, new routes to Okinawa and Labuan Bajo are projected to commence around late 2025, subject to regulatory approvals.

The Impact of Jetstar's Departure

The closure of Jetstar Asia, a veteran in the skies for over 20 years, is a strategic move by its parent company, Qantas, to refocus on the Australian market. This decision, however, will result in over 500 job cuts in Singapore, prompting SIA to explore internal opportunities for affected employees.

A Silver Lining for Other Airlines?

As Jetstar's flight slots return to the pool for reallocation, industry experts suggest other airlines like Scoot might capitalize on these prime landing spots, particularly during peak hours, further enriching Singapore’s aviation hub.

Changi Airport Group (CAG) has confirmed that the routes impacted are already served by 18 other airlines, who can collectively offer over 1,000 weekly services. They are actively working to restore direct connectivity to destinations solely operated by Jetstar.