Two Indonesian destinations that most travelers have never considered flying to directly from Singapore are about to become a whole lot more accessible. Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, has announced it will launch new direct flights to Belitung and Pontianak — two destinations in Indonesia that have long been underserved by direct air connections from the city-state.
The new routes are set to begin in mid-2026, and the announcement signals a clear strategic push by Scoot to deepen its footprint across the Indonesian archipelago. For travelers in Singapore and beyond, it opens up two corners of Indonesia that are rich in natural beauty and cultural character but have historically required connecting flights or long overland journeys to reach.
This isn’t just about convenience. Expanding direct air links between Singapore and lesser-known Indonesian destinations carries real implications for tourism growth, regional trade, and the broader effort to knit Southeast Asia’s economies more tightly together.
Why Belitung and Pontianak Are Worth Paying Attention To
Belitung is an island province off the eastern coast of Sumatra, best known for its striking granite boulder landscapes, clear turquoise waters, and the real-world setting that inspired the beloved novel and film Laskar Pelangi (Rainbow Troops). It draws visitors who want something genuinely off the beaten path — white-sand beaches without the crowds, and scenery that feels almost otherworldly.
Pontianak, meanwhile, is the capital of West Kalimantan province on the island of Borneo. It sits almost exactly on the equator — in fact, a monument marks the precise spot — and serves as a gateway to some of Borneo’s most remote rainforest and river ecosystems. The city itself has a distinct multicultural character shaped by Malay, Dayak, and Chinese communities over centuries.
Neither destination has historically been easy to reach from Singapore without a layover. That’s about to change.
What the New Scoot Routes Actually Mean
Scoot’s decision to add these two routes is part of a broader, ongoing effort to expand affordable air travel across Southeast Asia. As a low-cost carrier, Scoot’s entry into a market typically brings down fares and stimulates demand — meaning more people from Singapore, and connecting international passengers, are likely to consider these destinations for the first time.
The airline made the announcement through official channels, including a formal press release, underscoring the seriousness of the commitment. Officials have noted that the expansion reflects Scoot’s strategy of offering accessible travel options to a growing number of destinations across the region.
| New Destination | Location | Key Highlights | Launch Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belitung | Island province, eastern Sumatra, Indonesia | Granite boulder landscapes, beaches, tourism appeal | Mid-2026 |
| Pontianak | West Kalimantan capital, Borneo, Indonesia | Equator monument, rainforest gateway, multicultural city | Mid-2026 |
Both routes will be operated by Scoot, connecting the two Indonesian cities directly to Singapore. The flights are intended to serve travelers, business passengers, and tourists alike, while also supporting the economic relationship between Singapore and Indonesia more broadly.
The Real-World Impact on Travelers and Local Communities
For travelers based in Singapore, the new routes remove what has often been the single biggest barrier to visiting places like Belitung and Pontianak: the hassle and extra cost of a connecting flight. Direct service simplifies the journey considerably and makes spontaneous or short-break travel far more realistic.
For the destinations themselves, the arrival of a low-cost carrier with direct Singapore links is significant. Tourism in both Belitung and Pontianak stands to benefit from increased visitor numbers, and local businesses — from hotels and restaurants to tour operators and transport providers — are likely to see the ripple effects of improved connectivity.
There’s also a broader economic dimension. Singapore and Indonesia have deep trade and investment ties, and better air connectivity between the two countries supports the movement of people doing business across borders. Pontianak, as a regional capital in Borneo, has particular relevance given ongoing development activity in Indonesian Kalimantan.
Supporters of the expansion argue that improving affordable air access to secondary cities and island destinations is one of the most effective ways to distribute tourism’s economic benefits beyond the major hubs like Bali and Jakarta.
What Comes Next for Scoot and the Singapore–Indonesia Corridor
With these two new routes, Scoot continues to build out one of the most important aviation corridors in Southeast Asia. Indonesia, as the world’s largest archipelago nation, presents enormous potential for air connectivity — thousands of islands, dozens of provincial capitals, and a growing middle class with an appetite for domestic and regional travel.
The mid-2026 launch timeline gives both destinations time to prepare for increased visitor arrivals. Local tourism authorities and hospitality providers in Belitung and Pontianak will be watching closely, and the success of these routes could influence whether Scoot — or other carriers — decide to add further Indonesian destinations in the future.
For now, the announcement puts two previously hard-to-reach corners of Indonesia firmly on the radar for anyone traveling through or living in Singapore. Whether you’re drawn to Belitung’s surreal coastal scenery or Pontianak’s equatorial character, the journey is about to get considerably shorter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airline is launching flights to Belitung and Pontianak from Singapore?
Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, will operate the new direct routes to both destinations.
When will the new flights begin?
Scoot has announced the new routes are scheduled to launch in mid-2026.
Will these be direct flights or connecting services?
The new routes will be direct flights, connecting Singapore to Belitung and Pontianak without a layover.
Where are Belitung and Pontianak located?
Belitung is an island province off eastern Sumatra, while Pontianak is the capital of West Kalimantan province on the island of Borneo, both in Indonesia.
How often will flights operate on these new routes?
Specific flight frequency details have not yet been confirmed in the available information about the announcement.
Why is Scoot expanding to these destinations?
Scoot has described the expansion as part of its ongoing strategy to offer affordable and accessible travel options to more destinations across Southeast Asia, while also boosting tourism and economic ties between Singapore and Indonesia.
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