Winter Expansion: Scoot Launches Direct Singapore to Guiyang Flights

Scoot will launch a new three-times-weekly service between Singapore and Guiyang starting October 26, 2026, using Airbus A320neo aircraft with fares beginning at S$158. This expansion increases the low-cost carrier's mainland China footprint to 81 weekly flights serving 16 cities, matching peak demand for the Northern Winter 2026/2027 travel season.

Opening New Gateways to Inland China

A notable trend in Asia-Pacific aviation is the development of direct flight corridors linking metropolitan hubs with inland regional centers. In the past, passengers traveling from Singapore to southwest China's Guizhou province had to book multi-leg itineraries transiting through coastal gateways like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, or Shanghai. Bypassing these major transfer points reduces total flight times, eliminates intermediate security checks, and makes regional natural and cultural attractions more accessible to leisure travelers.

Inland Chinese cities are increasingly popular among international visitors seeking cultural experiences, historic heritage, and scenic mountain areas. By connecting Singapore directly with Guiyang, budget carriers are helping regional tourism boards tap into Southeast Asian outbound markets.

Guiyang and Guizhou Province Tourism Highlights

Guiyang serves as the capital of Guizhou province, a region celebrated for its mountainous karst geologies, forested valleys, and rich ethnic minority heritage:

• Qingyan Ancient Town: A historic military outpost dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. The town is recognized for its preserved stone gates, traditional paved lanes, temples, and historical residences.
• Huangguoshu Waterfall: Located outside the city, it stands as one of the largest waterfall systems in Asia, surrounded by dramatic rock formations, caves, and walking trails.
• Volcanic Karst Landscapes: Guizhou offers extensive national parks, forest reserves, and limestone caves suitable for outdoor hiking and ecotourism.

Scoot's Northern Winter 2026/2027 Schedule Frequencies

To match the winter vacation rush, the airline is upgrading flight frequencies across multiple destinations from October 25, 2026, through March 27, 2027:

• Guiyang (China): Three weekly flights starting October 26, 2026, using Airbus A320neo aircraft, with one-way economy fares starting from S$158 (including taxes).
• Hat Yai (Thailand): Increasing from 12 to 14 weekly flights.
• Phuket (Thailand): Increasing from 17 to 21 weekly flights.
• Clark (Philippines): Upgrading from seven to 10 weekly flights starting December 2026.
• Kota Kinabalu (Malaysia): Increasing from 10 to 13 weekly flights starting January 2027.
• Phu Quoc (Vietnam): Shifting to daily flights and transitioning operations from Embraer E190-E2 to the larger Airbus A320 family.
• Okinawa (Japan): Increasing from four to five weekly flights.
• Tiruchirappalli (India): Increasing from 12 to 14 weekly flights starting December 2026.

These expansions will bring the airline's total international network to 86 destinations across 18 countries and territories.

Network Frequency Summary

The table below breaks down Scoot's route frequency increases for the Northern Winter 2026/2027 season:

Destination Route	Previous Weekly Flights	New Weekly Flights	Effective Start Date
Singapore to Guiyang	0 (New Route)	3	26 October 2026
Singapore to Hat Yai	12	14	25 October 2026
Singapore to Phuket	17	21	25 October 2026
Singapore to Clark	7	10	December 2026
Singapore to Kota Kinabalu	10	13	January 2027
Singapore to Phu Quoc	Non-Daily (Embraer)	Daily (Airbus A320)	25 October 2026
Singapore to Okinawa	4	5	31 October 2026
Singapore to Tiruchirappalli	12	14	December 2026

By adding these flights, the carrier provides passengers with more departure options and improves regional connectivity during the year-end holiday period.

Environmental Sustainability and Community-Based Tourism

For the visitor, the real impact of direct regional flights is the support they provide to sustainable, community-based tourism. Operating direct flights to Guiyang reduces the overall passenger journey distance compared to routing through coastal hubs, lowering fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions per passenger.

Furthermore, direct air access directs tourist spending straight into regional economies. Visitors arriving in Guiyang spend money on local ethnic minority guides, family-run guesthouses (minsu) in Guizhou's villages, and regional transport services, rather than concentrating revenue solely in national hotel chains. This structure ensures that tourism development directly funds heritage protection and supports local farming communities.

For example, you can explore the changing dynamics of Island Gateway: Scoot Expands Okinawa to Singapore Service to Five Weekly Flights to see how regional routes are growing. For budget-conscious travelers, aligning slow city travel with municipal transit options mirrors similar regional initiatives, such as the Free Admission at Select US State Parks programs. This trend is similar to the tourism growth seen in other destinations, as detailed in our guide on how Utica, New York Emerges as an Affordable Northeast Tourism Hub.

Visitor Insider Tips: Coordinating Your Guizhou Visit

If you are planning an autumn or winter trip to Guiyang, keep these local guidelines in mind:

• Book Fares Early: Tickets for the new route go on sale starting August 20, 2026. The introductory S$158 fares are limited, so book early to secure these promotional rates.
• Prepare for Mountain Weather: Guizhou is known for cool, humid mountain weather. Temperatures drop significantly during November and December, so pack warm layers, windproof jackets, and sturdy walking shoes.
• Wear Slip-Resistant Footwear: The paths and viewing platforms near Huangguoshu Waterfall are often wet from spray. Wear shoes with good traction to prevent slips.
• Verify Travel Visas: Ensure your passport has at least six months' validity. Check the latest visa policies and entry documentation requirements for mainland China before booking your flight.
• Sample Guizhou Sour Fish Soup: Try the region's signature sour fish soup (Kaili Suantangyu), seasoned with local tomatoes, wild herbs, and chili peppers.

Long-Term Outlook for Northeast Asian Low-Cost Transit

The long-term outlook for regional transit in East Asia is focused on expanding low-cost networks to secondary cities. As airports in inland China upgrade their customs and immigration infrastructure, more airlines are expected to propose direct regional routes.

By maintaining high scheduling flexibility and supporting local community tourism development, these direct flight corridors will remain key drivers of sustainable travel across the Asia-Pacific region.

FAQ

When will Scoot begin flights to Guiyang?

Scoot will start operating direct flights between Singapore Changi and Guiyang on October 26, 2026, with three weekly services.

Which aircraft will be used on the Singapore-Guiyang route?

The route will be operated using Airbus A320neo passenger jets.

What is the starting price for tickets?

One-way economy class fares start from S$158, including taxes, with bookings opening on August 20, 2026.

How many mainland China cities does Scoot serve?

Following the addition of Guiyang, Scoot's mainland China network will expand to 81 weekly flights serving 16 cities.

Stay updated on the airline routes and regional flight connections shaping travel in the Asia-Pacific region.

---

Related Travel Guides

• Island Gateway: Scoot Expands Okinawa to Singapore Service to Five Weekly Flights
• Capital to Island: Delhi to Langkawi Direct Route Enters Air India Express Talks
• The 10 Best Travel Guides and Hiking Trails in Guizhou, According To Reddit