CHIANG RAI– Regional travel just got easier as Scoot, the budget airline under Singapore Airlines, will offer nonstop flights between Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) and Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) beginning January 1, 2026. This new service offers an easy link for those looking to experience Chiang Rai’s laid-back charm or the buzz of Singapore.
Scoot’s schedule includes five flights each week using the fuel-saving Embraer E190-E2. Travellers can board from Chiang Rai on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, arriving in Singapore after a direct three-hour journey.
Economy fares start as low as SGD 128 (about THB 3,200), tax included, though extras like baggage and meals cost more. This price point appeals to those who want to travel without breaking the bank.
Leslie Thng, Scoot’s CEO, shared excitement about the new route, saying it gives travellers more choice across Asia and supports the rising demand for flights during the busy year-end and New Year period. With this addition, Scoot now operates 111 weekly flights to Thailand, showing strong interest in the area.
Tourism in Chiang Rai Gets a Lift
These new direct flights are set to draw more attention to Chiang Rai. The province is famous for peaceful mountain scenery, rich heritage, and landmarks like Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) and the Golden Triangle.
Compared to crowded spots like Bangkok or Phuket, Chiang Rai offers a quieter break. The easy route from Singapore should bring in more visitors from all over Southeast Asia and further afield, thanks to the lack of stopovers.
Local tour operator Somchai Rattanakorn said the flights make it much simpler for global travellers to reach Chiang Rai. He predicts hotels, restaurants and tour companies will see more business in the coming months, especially during peak season.
The launch of Scoot’s flights matches up with ongoing upgrades at Chiang Rai International Airport, managed by Airports of Thailand (AoT). The airport is receiving major improvements to handle more passengers and work better behind the scenes.
Projects include a longer runway for bigger planes , a larger terminal and better spaces for travellers. These changes support rising visitor numbers from both inside and outside Thailand.
In 2025, AoT committed THB 1.5 billion to modernize the airport. Plans aim to complete upgrades by 2027, boosting capacity from 1.8 million travellers a year up to 3 million.
Upgrades also cover new taxiways, better customs and immigration services and more comfortable facilities for everyone arriving or departing. These steps are part of a bigger push to make Chiang Rai a key air travel spot in northern Thailand, while helping smaller cities attract more tourists.
An AoT official noted that improved airport facilities will match the needs of new direct flights and make Chiang Rai even more attractive to visitors.
Scoot’s Growth Across Southeast Asia
Adding Chiang Rai means Scoot now connects 76 cities. The airline is also flying to new places like Okinawa and Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, while offering more flights to popular places including Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Ipoh.
This new Chiang Rai route fills a gap after Jetstar Asia left, keeping direct links between Singapore and destinations that get fewer flights.
Travellers can book directly through Scoot’s website or mobile app, with tickets for the new Chiang Rai-Singapore route available now. Thanks to a codeshare with Singapore Airlines, passengers can book journeys that mix Scoot and SIA flights, making layovers and onward connections smoother.
With Scoot’s flights and AoT’s airport upgrades running side by side, Chiang Rai is set for a strong period of growth in tourism and business. Local leaders and travel companies expect the direct route to Singapore will bring more people to the region and create closer links between Thailand and Singapore via Scoot Airlines.
This new flight path lets visitors discover Chiang Rai’s unique culture and nature or explore Singapore’s top attractions, all while sticking to a budget. As Scoot keeps growing, Chiang Rai is ready to welcome more guests and take its place on the regional travel map in 2026.
For details or to book a Scoot flight, visit www.flyscoot.com .
