Scoot Tickets to Ipoh to Top S$1,400 for Lunar New Year

Direct flights between Singapore and Ipoh will reach S$1,421 during the 2027 Chinese New Year travel period.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Budget Travel

Screen-print poster illustration of an airplane seat and luggage tag, evoking the high cost and tradition of holiday air travel.
Round-trip airfare between Singapore and Ipoh is projected to reach S$1,421 during the 2027 Lunar New Year holiday period. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Round-trip airfare on the only direct route between Singapore and Ipoh is set to cost S$1,421 for travel from February 5, 2027, to February 8, 2027. One-way tickets for this period are currently priced starting at S$734.

Why it matters

The high cost is driven by limited competition after multiple carriers exited the route, compounded by increased global oil prices affecting airport taxes. With Scoot currently holding a monopoly on direct flights, travelers are facing record-high prices compared to previous seasons.

A round-trip ticket during the Chinese New Year period is priced at S$1,421, while a one-way flight from Singapore to Ipoh costs S$734. This fare significantly exceeds the previous record high of S$1,100 for the same route.

The players

Scoot

Scoot is a low-cost airline and a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines that currently serves as the only carrier offering direct flights between Singapore and Ipoh.

The details

Scoot remains the sole provider of direct service between the two cities after AirAsia suspended the route in April 2025 and Batik Air ended operations in May 2026. Many passengers are now looking toward ground transport, such as buses or trains, to avoid the high costs of air travel during the holiday.

Timeline

  1. AirAsia suspended the Singapore-Ipoh route in April 2025.

  2. Batik Air ended its Singapore-Ipoh service in May 2026.

  3. Booking site checks were conducted on October 21, 2026.

  4. The high-fare travel period runs from February 5, 2027, to February 8, 2027.

Travel Outlook

This fare spike reflects a tightening of the regional aviation market as carriers withdraw from secondary routes. It signals a departure from the historical average airfare for the Singapore-Ipoh route, forcing a shift in how budget-conscious travelers approach holiday planning.

Travelers planning to visit Ipoh during the Chinese New Year should consider booking bus or train tickets as soon as possible to avoid the record-high airfare. These ground options offer a necessary alternative for those looking to manage their holiday travel budget.

The takeaway

When a single carrier dominates a regional route, travelers must remain flexible with their transport modes during peak demand. Exploring ground transit options is now the most practical way to mitigate the impact of reduced airline competition and rising fuel costs.

Further reading

For tips on finding affordable transit options during peak holidays, visit our Budget Travel section.

Live Poll

Are you planning to change your holiday travel plans due to rising airfare costs?