Scoot, the low-cost arm of Singapore Airlines, is deepening its footprint in China with the launch of thrice-weekly services to Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou province. Starting 26 October 2026, the carrier will operate the route with its Airbus A320neo aircraft, adding a gateway to one of southwest China's most culturally distinct destinations.
The new service is part of Scoot's Northern Winter 2026/2027 schedule, which runs from 25 October 2026 to 27 March 2027. Guiyang joins a network that already includes major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. With this addition, Scoot will operate 81 weekly flights to 16 mainland Chinese cities, reinforcing its position as one of the most extensive LCC networks between Southeast Asia and China.
Strategic expansion in China
Guiyang is known for its ethnic minority cultures, karst landscapes, and attractions like Qingyan Ancient Town and the Huangguoshu Waterfall. The route is expected to appeal to both leisure travellers and those visiting family, particularly during the year-end holiday period. Scoot is positioning the service as a convenient link between Singapore and southwest China, with connections available across its broader network to Southeast Asia, Australia, and India.
“We are delighted to add Guiyang to our network, strengthening our presence in China and connecting Singapore and the wider Scoot network to one of southwest China’s most scenic and culturally rich cities,” said Leslie Thng, Chief Executive Officer of Scoot.
Economy Class fares to Guiyang start at $160 (5,800 THB), with bookings available via Scoot's website and mobile app. The airline is also offering introductory promotions to stimulate early demand.
Winter frequency boosts
In response to anticipated year-end travel demand, Scoot is increasing frequencies on several popular routes. From October 2026, flights to Hat Yai in Thailand will rise to 14 times weekly, while Phuket will see 21 weekly flights. Okinawa, Japan, will increase to five times weekly. Additional capacity is planned for Clark in the Philippines, Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia, and Tiruchirappalli in India later in the season.
These adjustments reflect Scoot's strategy of optimising its network to match seasonal demand while maintaining cost efficiency. The airline continues to leverage its Airbus A320neo and Boeing 787 fleets to serve a mix of short-haul and medium-haul routes.
With the Guiyang addition, Scoot's total network will expand to 86 destinations across 18 countries and territories, spanning the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Europe. The carrier has been steadily rebuilding its route map post-pandemic, with a focus on secondary cities that offer growth potential and less competition.
Industry analysts note that Scoot's expansion into Guiyang aligns with broader trends of LCCs tapping into China's interior regions, which are seeing rising outbound travel demand. The move also complements Singapore Airlines' full-service operations, allowing the group to capture a wider spectrum of passengers.
All schedules are subject to regulatory approvals, and Scoot advises travellers to check the latest flight status before booking. The airline is also reminding passengers of its flexible booking policies, which have been extended for the winter season.
For travel professionals, the new Guiyang route offers additional options for clients seeking cultural experiences in China. Tour operators and agents can bundle Guiyang with other Chinese cities or with Scoot's Southeast Asian network to create multi-stop itineraries. The increased frequencies to Hat Yai and Phuket also provide more flexibility for beach holidays and MICE groups.
Scoot's expansion comes as other carriers are also boosting China connectivity. Turkish Airlines, for instance, is adding Chengdu to its network from November 2026, reflecting the ongoing recovery of international air travel to China. Meanwhile, Gulf carriers like Emirates are enhancing booking flexibility, which could influence consumer expectations across the industry.
As the winter schedule unfolds, Scoot's performance on the Guiyang route will be closely watched by competitors and industry observers. The airline's ability to stimulate demand in a less-served market could set a precedent for other LCCs eyeing China's secondary cities.
