Scoot Expands Indonesian Footprint: New Flights to Belitung and Pontianak Launch in 2026

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For travelers seeking to escape the well-trodden paths of Bali and Jakarta, the Indonesian archipelago has always held a whispered promise of “something more.” That promise is becoming significantly easier to reach. Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, has officially announced the launch of two new direct routes from Singapore to Belitung and Pontianak, set to take off in mid-2026.

This expansion is part of Scoot’s broader strategy to utilize its new fleet of Embraer E190-E2 aircraft—smaller, more efficient jets designed to land in regional airports that larger planes simply can’t reach. ^{By opening these gateways, Scoot isn’t just adding dots to a map; it’s inviting a new generation of “Travel Kakis” to explore the untouched corners of Southeast Asia.}

A Tropical Masterpiece: The Allure of Belitung

Starting May 3, 2026, Scoot will commence twice-weekly flights to Belitung. Located off the eastern coast of Sumatra, this island is far from the neon lights of the city.

Belitung is famous for its surreal coastal landscapes. Imagine turquoise waters punctuated by massive, smooth granite boulders that look like they were placed there by giants. It is a haven for those who want to “Jalan-Jalan” (stroll) through nature. Beyond the beaches, the island is a biodiversity hotspot and the only place on Earth where you can spot the rare, saucer-eyed Belitung Tarsier in the wild.

With one-way fares starting from $99 SGD, the island offers an affordable alternative to the increasingly crowded traditional resorts.

Standing on the Line: The Magic of Pontianak

Following shortly after, on June 29, 2026, Scoot will launch three-times-weekly services to Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan.

Pontianak offers a completely different vibe—a cultural and culinary deep dive into the heart of Borneo. As the only city in the world situated directly on the equator, its most famous landmark is the Equator Monument. ^{Here, visitors can achieve the ultimate geographical flex: standing with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern.}

But for many, the real draw is the food. Set along the banks of the Kapuas River (Indonesia’s longest), Pontianak is a legendary food haven. From the savory Chai Kue (steamed vegetable dumplings) to the rich, aromatic local coffees, it’s a city that demands to be tasted as much as explored. Fares to Pontianak are set to start from $129 SGD.

The Right Tool for the Job: The Embraer E190-E2

The secret sauce behind this expansion is the Embraer E190-E2. With 112 seats in a comfortable 2-2 configuration (meaning no middle seats!), this aircraft is the perfect size for “thin” routes like Belitung and Pontianak.

Scoot CEO Leslie Thng noted that the airline remains confident in the demand for air travel, particularly for non-metro cities. These smaller jets allow Scoot to offer direct connections that previously required long ferry rides or multiple domestic flight transfers, saving travelers hours of transit time.

More Flights, More Often: The 2026 Surge

It’s not just about new destinations. Scoot is also ramping up frequencies across its existing Indonesian network to support the 2026 school holiday season.

• Bali & Jakarta: Increasing to 35 times weekly by June.
• Lombok: Seeing a massive jump from 4 to 10 times weekly.
• Manado: Moving to daily services.
• Labuan Bajo: Increasing to three times weekly.

Whether you’re looking for the dragons of Komodo or the granite shores of Belitung, the options for 2026 are more flexible than ever.

Why This Matters for the “Human” Traveler

We live in an age where travel can sometimes feel like a conveyor belt. We go where the hashtags tell us to go. Scoot’s new routes offer a refreshing detour.

For the solo traveler, it’s a chance to find a quiet beach where the only footprints are your own. For families, it’s a geography lesson come to life on the equator. For the foodie, it’s a new set of flavors that haven’t been “Instagram-filtered” to death. By lowering the price barrier and removing the logistical headache of multiple transfers, Scoot is making the “hidden” parts of Indonesia accessible to everyone.

Planning Your 2026 Escape

With bookings now live on the Scoot website and app, the time to plan is now. These regional routes are expected to be popular with “weekend warriors” from Singapore and international travelers looking to add a unique side trip to their Southeast Asian itinerary.

As the world continues to reopen and expand, destinations like Belitung and Pontianak remind us that there is still so much left to discover. So, grab your “Travel Kaki,” pack light, and get ready to stand on the equator or marvel at the granite giants of Sumatra.