Prices for Singapore to Ipoh round-trip flights reach a record high
Planning to travel to Ipoh next Chinese New Year? You might be in for a rude awakening.
On Tuesday (20 Oct), Zaobao reported that flights from Singapore to Ipoh are expected to hit a record high during the upcoming Chinese New Year (CNY).
Based on checks conducted by MS News on the Scoot website on 22 Oct, a round-trip flight from Singapore to Ipoh from 5 to 8 Feb 2027 will cost upwards of S$1,420.
This is a significant increase from last year’s price of just over S$1,100, according to Shin Min.
Prices within two weeks of the festive period (6 to 20 Feb 2027) remain roughly the same.
Source: Mainlymiles
Political conflict drives prices, limited options pose difficulties
A travel consultant told Zaobao that the ongoing Middle East crisis is a key factor in the unprecedented airfares.
Following the closure of the Straits of Hormuz on 28 Feb, where oil trade primarily passes through, and the attack on Iran’s energy infrastructure, this led to a disruption of oil supply worldwide.
As a result, oil prices have spiked. Airport taxes and airfares have thus subsequently increased as well.
Another factor for the increase in ticket prices is the lack of airlines that fly directly to Ipoh. Those looking to travel to Singapore from Ipoh get limited options.
In April 2025, AirAsia suspended its route from Singapore to Ipoh. In May, Batik Air also announced that the route would be suspended only after operating for five months.
As of October, Scoot is the only carrier that offers direct flights between Singapore and Ipoh.
Travellers contemplate alternative travel routes
AirAsia offers a round-trip flight from Singapore to Ipoh around the CNY season for around S$1,176. However, travellers must make two layovers at Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Senai Airport in Johor Bahru.
Some travellers told Zaobao they were shocked to see such high prices. One stated she would consider taking a bus from Singapore or the Electric Train Service (ETS) train directly from Johor to Ipoh.
However, she believed the trains would be better value for money, with a one-way bus ticket ranging from S$80 to S$270.
Another traveller said her travel plans for CNY now remain uncertain. If necessary, she would consider going back to Malaysia in December for Christmas instead.
Travellers are advised to keep monitoring prices closer to the CNY season, as they may continue to fluctuate.
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S’pore-bound SIA flight returns to San Francisco after unruly passenger injures himself
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Featured image adapted from FlyScoot on Facebook and Shawate Travel (right).