Jetstar Asia’s Closure Shocks Singapore: What It Means for Travellers
- circular connection
- Jun 11
- 3 min read
Jetstar Asia will cease operations from July 2025 and connectivity to some routes may be affected. Here is what travellers need to know and how Singapore is working to restore connectivity.
Image: Facebook/Jetstar Asia
Jetstar Asia has announced that it will cease operations from 31 July 2025. This move has taken many in Singapore’s aviation and travel sectors by surprise. The closure is attributed to rising operational costs, including fuel prices, airport charges, and supplier fees, along with growing competition from other budget airlines.
As the Singapore-based budget arm of Qantas, Jetstar Asia currently operates 16 regional routes. Its departure will result in significant service gaps and affect approximately 500 employees in Singapore. Qantas has confirmed that customers will receive refunds or be rebooked on other flights where possible.
Importantly, Qantas has clarified that international operations at its other budget airlines, Jetstar Airways and Jetstar Japan, will continue as usual.
Routes Exclusively Operated by Jetstar Asia
Jetstar Asia has been the only airline offering direct flights from Singapore to several regional destinations. With its exit, the following routes are at risk of losing direct connectivity:
Broome, Australia
Labuan Bajo, Indonesia
Okinawa, Japan
Wuxi, China
These destinations are not currently served nonstop by any other carrier from Singapore. The closure may therefore result in temporary gaps in direct air links for travellers heading to these unique and often leisure-driven locations.
CAAS and Changi Airport Respond
In light of Jetstar Asia’s decision, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) will work closely with Changi Airport Group to maintain air connectivity. The authorities intend to support other airlines in taking over affected routes to preserve Singapore’s role as a key regional air hub.
This collaborative effort may allow other carriers to step in and operate flights to destinations that are now underserved, ensuring that travellers still have access to a wide range of travel options.
Alternatives for Affected Routes
Although Jetstar Asia provided exclusive direct flights to some cities, there are viable one-stop alternatives available. Travellers can consider the following options in the meantime:
Destination | Current Alternatives | Notes |
Broome, Australia | Scoot or QantasLink via Perth | No current direct service. Requires transfer in Western Australia. |
Labuan Bajo, Indonesia | Garuda Indonesia or Lion Air via Jakarta or Bali | Multiple connections available through major Indonesian cities. |
Okinawa, Japan | ANA or JAL via Tokyo or Osaka | Indirect service through Japan’s major international airports. |
Wuxi, China | China Eastern via Shanghai or Guangzhou | Travellers may transit through larger Chinese cities. |
Colombo, Sri Lanka | SriLankan Airlines or Malaysia Airlines via KL | Flights available with one-stop connections. |
Surabaya, Indonesia | Scoot or Batik Air | Direct flights still in operation. |
Medan, Indonesia | Batik Air or AirAsia via Kuala Lumpur | Indirect options available. |
Thai regional cities | Scoot, Thai VietJet, or AirAsia | Multiple budget alternatives remain accessible. |
Travellers are advised to monitor airline schedules, as new routes may be introduced to fill the gaps left by Jetstar Asia.
Operational Factors Beyond Cost?
While Qantas has cited operating costs and market conditions as the main reasons behind Jetstar Asia’s closure, some observers have highlighted additional factors that may have played a role.
One frequently mentioned issue is the airline’s relocation to Terminal 4 at Changi Airport. Unlike Terminals 1 to 3, Terminal 4 is a standalone terminal that lacks Skytrain connectivity and offers fewer transfer and dining options. These limitations may have affected the overall passenger experience, especially for travellers making flight connections or prioritising convenience.
What This Means for Travellers
Jetstar Asia will cease operations in Singapore on 31 July 2025.
The closure affects 16 routes, including four exclusive destinations with no other direct flights.
Qantas has confirmed that Jetstar Airways and Jetstar Japan will continue operations as usual.
CAAS and Changi Airport Group are working to support route recovery through other airline partners.
Travellers should explore alternative carriers and route options to continue accessing affected cities.
