Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, confirmed on 29 April 2026 the imminent launch of two new routes to Indonesia, with Belitung service commencing 3 May 2026 and Pontianak service following on 29 June 2026. Both routes expand the carrier’s Indonesia footprint through its Singapore Changi Airport hub and are operated on the Embraer E190-E2, deployed specifically to serve thinner regional routes previously out of reach for larger aircraft.
Key Facts At A Glance
- Belitung route: Singapore Changi Airport to Belitung, twice weekly from 3 May 2026; introductory one-way economy fare from SGD 99 inclusive of taxes
- Pontianak route: Singapore Changi Airport to Pontianak, three times weekly from 29 June 2026; introductory one-way economy fare from SGD 129 inclusive of taxes
- Aircraft: Embraer E190-E2, 112 seats in a 2-2 configuration with no middle seats
- Network milestone: two new routes bring Scoot’s total to 85 destinations across 18 countries and territories
- Frequency increases running April to June 2026: Phuket from 17 to 21 weekly; Bali and Jakarta from 28 to 35 weekly; Lombok from 4 to 10 weekly; Manado to daily; Labuan Bajo from 2 to 3 weekly; Sibu from 3 to 4 weekly
- North Asia frequency increases: Okinawa from 3 to 4 weekly; Changsha from 4 to 5 weekly
- Europe frequency increase: Vienna from 3 to 4 weekly from June 2026
- CEO Leslie Thng cited school holiday season demand and strengthened SIA Group connectivity through Singapore as key rationale
Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, announced on 9 April 2026 and confirmed on 29 April 2026 the launch of direct services from Singapore Changi Airport to two Indonesian destinations: Belitung, off the eastern coast of Sumatra, and Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan. The routes represent the airline’s first scheduled international services to either destination and are part of a broader network expansion timed to coincide with the regional school holiday season.
The Embraer E190-E2 As A Route-Opening Tool
Both new routes will be operated exclusively on the Embraer E190-E2, a 112-seat narrowbody configured in a 2-2 layout with no middle seats. The aircraft plays a specific strategic role within Scoot’s fleet: its size and runway performance allow the carrier to serve airports and route pairings that are commercially unviable for larger widebody or single-aisle aircraft. Scoot Chief Executive Officer Leslie Thng noted that the airline remains confident in demand for air travel to non-metro cities, and that the E190-E2’s efficiency makes secondary destinations accessible for the first time on a direct basis from Singapore.
Prior to the Scoot service, travel between Singapore and Belitung typically required ferry connections or multiple domestic Indonesian flight segments, adding significant transit time. Pontianak, while served domestically within Indonesia, had no direct international scheduled service from Singapore.
Belitung: First Scheduled International Service
Belitung, situated on the eastern coast of Sumatra, is known for its granite boulder coastlines, clear waters, and biodiversity. The island is home to the Belitung Tarsier, a nocturnal primate subspecies endemic to the island. Scoot will operate twice-weekly services beginning 3 May 2026, targeting leisure travellers and emerging eco-tourism demand. Introductory one-way economy fares start from SGD 99, inclusive of taxes.
Pontianak: Equatorial Gateway To West Kalimantan
Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan province, occupies a geographically distinct position as the only major city in the world located directly on the equatorial line. Its landmark Equator Monument, where visitors can stand simultaneously in the northern and southern hemispheres, is a recognised draw. The city sits along the Kapuas River, Indonesia’s longest river, and carries a reputation for a diverse culinary culture shaped by Malay, Chinese, and Dayak influences. Scoot will operate three-weekly services from 29 June 2026, with introductory one-way economy fares from SGD 129, inclusive of taxes.
Broader Network Expansion
Alongside the two new destinations, Scoot announced a series of frequency increases across its existing network, phased between April and June 2026 to support the school holiday travel period. From April, Phuket services increase from 17 to 21 weekly flights and Sibu from 3 to 4 weekly. From June, Bali and Jakarta services rise from 28 to 35 weekly, Lombok from 4 to 10 weekly, Manado moves to daily, and Labuan Bajo increases from 2 to 3 weekly. In North Asia, Okinawa rises from 3 to 4 weekly and Changsha from 4 to 5 weekly. In Europe, Vienna increases from 3 to 4 weekly from June 2026.
With the addition of Belitung and Pontianak, Scoot’s total network reaches 85 destinations across 18 countries and territories. The carrier currently operates a fleet of more than 60 aircraft comprising Boeing 787 Dreamliners, Airbus A320-family aircraft, and the Embraer E190-E2.