Scoot Launches Singapore-Belitung Route, Easing Access for Foreign Tourists

The Ministry of Tourism continues to strengthen international air connectivity as a primary strategy to increase the flow of foreign tourists. One of the latest important steps is the opening of the direct Singapore-Tanjung Pandan, Belitung flight route by Scoot airline, which officially commenced operations on 3 May 2026. This step is part of the government’s strategic collaboration with international airlines to open direct flight access to Indonesia’s priority tourism destinations. Deputy for Marketing of the Ministry of Tourism, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, explained that the opening of this route marks Scoot’s expansion, now serving 16 destinations in Indonesia. She emphasised that the presence of this new route is expected to increase the flow of foreign tourists, particularly from the Singapore market, which has long been one of the largest sources of visitors. In the initial phase, the Singapore-Belitung route will operate twice a week, on Wednesdays and Sundays, with a capacity of 112 seats per flight. Interestingly, on the inaugural flight, the occupancy rate reached 73.2 percent, or 82 passengers, indicating strong initial interest from the international market. Made stated that Belitung has strong tourism appeal in the eyes of Singaporean tourists, from marine tourism, local cuisine, to premium leisure experiences, all aligning with regional tourists’ preferences. As a priority destination, Belitung offers various unique advantages not found in other regions of Indonesia. With a relatively short travel distance from Singapore, Belitung becomes an ideal alternative holiday destination for foreign tourists seeking a quality holiday experience that is geographically close. With this direct flight route, Belitung is expected to further solidify its position as one of Indonesia’s flagship destinations on the international stage.