Direct Singapore–Chiang Rai Flights Launch Until March 2026

Pictures courtesy of MGR

Direct international flights between Singapore and Chiang Rai have officially begun, marking the first such service since the Covid-19 pandemic and strengthening air connectivity to northern Thailand. The new route is expected to boost tourism arrivals to Chiang Rai and support Thailand’s wider goal of increasing visitor numbers from Singapore beyond one million in 2026. Local authorities and tourism officials welcomed the inaugural flight, highlighting its immediate economic and travel impact.

The service, operated by Scoot Airlines, commenced on 1 January 2026 with flights between Singapore’s Changi Airport and Mae Fah Luang–Chiang Rai International Airport in Chiang Rai province. The inaugural inbound flight, TR670, arrived at 18.50 carrying 106 passengers, while the return flight departed at 19.25 with 103 passengers. The route uses Embraer E190-E2 aircraft with a capacity of 112 seats and will operate until the end of March 2026.

This marks the first time Scoot has flown directly to Chiang Rai and the first international service on this route since the Covid-19 crisis. Prior to the pandemic, AirAsia had previously operated direct flights between Singapore and Chiang Rai. The new service reflects renewed demand for travel to northern Thailand and improved aviation conditions following the easing of global travel restrictions.

Chiang Rai governor Choochip Pongchai led a welcoming delegation at the airport, joined by Group Captain Sakorn Udon, acting director of Mae Fah Luang–Chiang Rai International Airport, and Pattaranong Na Chiangmai, deputy governor for Asia and South Pacific marketing at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Officials described the launch as an important step in restoring international tourism flows to the region. Airport authorities confirmed full readiness in terms of infrastructure, staffing, and aviation safety standards.

Scoot will operate flights TR670/671 on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 1 January to 27 March 2026, with evening departure and arrival times. Additional flights TR660/661 will operate on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 3 January to 28 March 2026, with morning departures. The schedule provides five flights per week, improving travel flexibility for passengers.

MGR online reported that TAT stated that the route strengthens links between Singapore and northern Thailand and reflects the growing appeal of Chiang Rai as a tourism destination. The agency plans proactive marketing campaigns targeting repeat visitors, including Health & Wellness, Luxury, Sports, Overland Fly & Drive and cruise tourism segments. For 2026, TAT aims to attract 1.12 million Singaporean visitors, a 7 per cent increase from 967,000 arrivals recorded in 2025.

Key Takeaways

• Scoot Airlines launched direct Singapore–Chiang Rai flights on 1 January 2026, operating until late March.

• The route uses 112-seat aircraft and runs more than five times per week on set schedules.

• Thailand targets 1.12 million Singaporean tourists in 2026, up from 967,000 in 2025.

Adapted by ASEAN Now from MGRonline 2026-01-03