Scoot, a low-cost subsidiary Singapore Airlines (SIA), has announced the launch of new flight services from Singapore to Phu Quoc, Vietnam, Padang, Indonesia, and Shantou, China. Flights from Singapore to Phu Quoc will commence on December 20th, 2024, and Padang on January 6th, 2025.

Phu Quoc’s pristine beaches and rare wildlife make it a tropical haven ideal for a holiday filled with adventure or relaxation. It is also home to the Phu Quoc National Park which has been recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Phu Quoc, at the moment, is the only destination within Vietnam to offer a 30-day visa free policy. This allows international travellers easy access.

Padang is the capital of West Sumatra, and the birthplace for the Padang cuisine. Shantou in China’s province of Guangdong is a city with a rich culture and a place where you can enjoy the Chaoshan cuisine. This includes raw seafood marinated in spices.

The ease of obtaining a visa (in most cases, you can get a visa on arrival) and the excellent connectivity make it possible to take a short trip or weekend to destinations like Singapore, Bangkok, Vietnam or Dubai to enjoy the nightlife as a couple or with a group. Goa has also become more of a hotspot for nightlife than a beach destination.

Scoot is also making adjustments to its network in order to better match its capacity to demand, and optimise fleet deployment. Brian Torrey said that Scoot’s expanded network is a great opportunity for India to travel more to destinations such as Phu Quoc and Padang.

We expect Phu Quoc especially to become a popular addition to Indian travellers’ itineraries, complementing existing Vietnam destinations that Scoot serves – Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi – and offering a rich, multi-city experience.”