Qantas closes Jetstar Asia: goodbye to low-cost regional flights from Singapore
Despite the closure of its low-cost subsidiary, Singapore remains the third most important international airport for the Qantas Group
Qantas
SIN
Qantas Group announced the permanent closure of Jetstar Asia, its low-cost subsidiary based in Singapore. A strategic decision aimed at strengthening core activities in Australia and New Zealand and to support the maxi fleet renewal program.
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Effective July 31, 2025, Jetstar Asia will cease all operations. The company, established more than 20 years ago, has long been one of the pillars of low-cost regional networking in Southeast Asia. But now, due to rising operating costs, high airport fees and increasingly fierce competition, it is no longer able to generate sustainable results for the group.
A $500 million savings for Qantas
The closure of Jetstar Asia will allow Qantas to "recycle" up to A$500 million in capital. Funds that will be reinvested in the historic fleet renewal operation, which is currently underway, and in strengthening operations in Australia and New Zealand.
In detail, the 13 Airbus A320s currently in Jetstar Asia's fleet will be gradually transferred to Australia and New Zealand, helping to strengthen domestic supply and generate new local employment.
Jetstar Airways and Jetstar Japan remain operational
The termination of operations relates exclusively to Jetstar Asia and its 16 intra-Asia routes. operated from Singapore. By contrast, all Jetstar Airways flights to and from Australia remain unchanged, as do the routes operated by Jetstar Japan. No changes, then, for routes from Australia to popular Asian destinations such as Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Japan, and South Korea.
Goodbye, however, to the carrier that used to fly from Singapore Changi's T4 to Thailand, Vietnam, and other short- and medium-haul destinations. I have flown a couple of times with this company., although it never ended up on my YouTube channel.
"Jetstar Asia has been a pioneering force in Southeast Asian aviation for more than two decades," Hudson said. "We are incredibly proud of the team and their commitment to making flying affordable for millions of customers. This is a very difficult day for everyone."
Protection for passengers and support for employees
Passengers with reservations on canceled flights will receive full refunds and, where possible, will be re-routed on other airlines. For employees, Qantas has activated a support package that includes severance payments and assistance in job relocation, including within the group or with other companies in the region.
