Scoot Ipoh flights soar past S$700 one way as Chinese New Year demand sends fares sky high

Festive flight frenzy as low‑cost fares soar to record highs, leaving travellers counting the cost. — Picture by Farhan Najib

First Published: Friday, 23 Oct 2026 1:04 PM MYT

SINGAPORE, Oct 23 — Reuniting with loved ones during festive seasons is something many look forward to. 

But for some, particularly those travelling to Ipoh, Malaysia for Chinese New Year (CNY) next year, it can come at a hefty price. 

This comes as flight ticket prices surge during the holiday season, with low-cost carrier fares soaring to new heights.

A check by AsiaOne on Thursday (Oct 22) found that one-way Scoot flights from Singapore to Ipoh cost significantly more in the week leading up to CNY (January 30 to February 5, 2027) — at S$734.20 (RM2,347)

In comparison, flights on the same route ranged from S$105.20 to S$241.20 just days before (January 23 to 28), before bumping up to S$562.20 on January 29. 

Meanwhile, flights from Ipoh to Singapore saw a similar trend, with ticket prices peaking on February 8, the third day of Chinese New Year, at S$686.45. 

Prices remained elevated in the following days, before starting to fall from February 15 at S$596.45. Flights from Ipoh to Singapore for the rest of the month from February 16 ranged from S$48.45 to S$193.45. 

This means a round trip during the festive season could set travellers back at least S$1,420 — if they want to make it to Ipoh in time for reunion dinner on February 5 and return a few days to a week after. 

And that’s before factoring in any additional charges such as checked baggage and seat selection. 

While it is common to see airfares surge during festive periods, this marks a new high, as Ipoh-Singapore round trip prices only reached around S$1,100 previously, according to Shin Min Daily News.

For reference, the cheapest return flight between Singapore and Ipoh on Scoot outside of the peak festive period in the same month is about S$153.65. 

However, other flights to different parts of Malaysia appeared to cost significantly less. 

A separate check by AsiaOne on the same day saw that the most expensive round trip from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur on Singapore Airlines, which Scoot is a subsidiary of, was S$812.

If travelling on Scoot, a return flight between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur cost at least S$914.65 during the peak period. 

Currently, Scoot is the only airline with a direct route between Singapore and Ipoh. 

The flight time is around an hour and 15 minutes.

Previously, AirAsia also offered direct flights between the two locations before it suspended the route in April 2025.

Batik Air subsequently started flying between Singapore and Ipoh directly in December 2025. However, it ended the service in May this year. — AsiaOne