New Lhasa-Chongqing-Singapore Passenger Route Launched by West Air

Chongqing - On December 25, West Air launched a new passenger service connecting Lhasa, Chongqing, and Singapore. This service increased the number of Chongqing-Singapore flights to 24 weekly, making it one of the highest-density international routes at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport.

Aircraft of West Air. (Photo/Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport)

The flights will be operated using the Airbus A319 aircraft, with departures scheduled three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The outbound flight, PN6425, will depart Lhasa Gonggar International Airport at 17:40 and arrive at Chongqing Jiangbei at 20:30. After a brief stop of 2 hours and 20 minutes, the flight will continue to Singapore, taking off from Chongqing at 22:50 and landing at Singapore Changi Airport at 03:55 the following day. The total flight time is 10 hours and 15 minutes.

The return flight, PN6426, is scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. It departs Singapore Changi at 04:55 and arrives in Chongqing Jiangbei at 09:40, after a two-hour and 40-minute stop. The flight will continue to Lhasa, taking off from Chongqing at 12:20 and arriving in Lhasa Gonggar at 15:20. The total flight time for the return leg is 10 hours and 25 minutes. All times are local.

The cityscape of Chongqing is seen from the Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport. (Photo/Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport)

This new route highlights Lhasa's emerging role as a vital air travel hub. Dubbed the "City of Sunshine" for its 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, Lhasa is nestled in the heart of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, with the Himalayas to the south. Steeped in rich history and culture, the city is also recognized as the spiritual epicenter of Tibetan Buddhism, drawing tourists and pilgrims worldwide.

West Air has launched promotional fares starting at 2,133 yuan (about 292.2 U.S. dollars) for round-trip tickets from Chongqing to Singapore, and 2,343 yuan for Lhasa-Chongqing-Singapore round trips, taxes included. These limited-time offers can be booked via West Air's official site or platforms like Ctrip, Qunar, LY.COM, and Fliggy.

Moreover, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the 30-day mutual visa exemption between China and Singaporetookect on February 9, 2024, simplifies travel for both business and leisure. 

From January to November 2024, passenger traffic on the Chongqing-Singapore route surged 250.6% year-on-year, reaching 226,000 trips.

Furthermore, on December 17, the National Immigration Administration announced an extension of the transit visa-free policy, increasing the stay period for foreign travelers from 72 or 144 hours to 240 hours. Additionally, 21 new ports have been added for visa-free transit, expanding stay and activity areas.

From January to November 2024, China saw over 29.21 million foreign arrivals, an 86.2% increase year over year. Nearly 17.45 million benefitted from the transit visa exemption, a 123.3% rise.