West Air is set to launch an exciting new international route connecting Lhasa, Chongqing, and Singapore starting on 25 December 2024. This new service will help bolster cultural and economic exchanges between western China and Singapore, offering a unique travel experience and enhancing connectivity across the region.
The route marks a significant milestone as it is the first international service to be introduced since Lhasa Gongga International Airport was officially renamed. West Air will operate the route using an Airbus A319, offering three round-trip flights per week.
The outbound flight, PN6425, will depart from Lhasa every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 17:40, arriving in Chongqing at 20:30 before continuing to Singapore, with the final leg arriving at 03:55 the following morning. On the return journey, flight PN6426 will depart from Singapore at 04:55, with stops in Chongqing before returning to Lhasa, arriving at 15:20 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
Lhasa, often known as the “City of Sunshine,” is a captivating destination for travellers seeking a blend of religious culture and historical intrigue. With attractions like the Potala Palace, the Tanggula Mountains, and Namtso Lake, the city offers a peaceful escape and remains a “spiritual home” to many. This new route will create a direct link between the city and the bustling island of Singapore, making it easier for tourists to explore both the snowy plateau and the tropical paradise.
Chongqing, an important strategic centre for the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Strategic Connectivity Demonstration Project, also plays a key role in the route’s importance. The city, well aligned with Singapore in terms of business and trade, serves as a gateway connecting western China to the ASEAN region. This new air corridor is expected to foster stronger ties in the fields of commerce, culture, tourism, and economic development between Lhasa, Chongqing, and Singapore.
The launch of this route comes on the heels of the China-Singapore Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement, which took effect in February 2024. This agreement allows ordinary passport holders to travel seamlessly between the two countries, further encouraging tourism and business exchanges. Singapore, with its vibrant multicultural environment, world-class infrastructure, and year-round summer temperatures, remains a prime destination for both leisure and business travellers.
To celebrate the launch, West Air is offering special fares:
- Round-trip tickets between Lhasa and Singapore starting at RMB 1,888 (tax included)
- Round-trip tickets between Chongqing and Singapore starting at RMB 1,499 (tax included)
Additional promotions, including one-way fares to Singapore from RMB 350 (excluding tax), are available on West Air’s official website and via TikTok live streams. Fares from Singapore start at SGD 70 (excluding tax), with prices subject to availability.
West Air is also offering a range of travel-friendly policies:
- 10 per cent discount on tickets for small group travellers who purchase at least seven days in advance
- An additional 20kg baggage allowance for international students and their immediate families
- A “Baggage Beneficial Offer” providing a 30kg free baggage limit
- Preferential fares for connecting flights through intermodal transport with Hainan Airlines and other domestic partners
As a subsidiary of HNA Airlines and part of the Liaoning Fangda Group, West Air has been expanding its international footprint, particularly since 2016, with direct routes from Chongqing to several key Asian destinations. The airline aims to continue enhancing connectivity in line with China’s “Belt and Road” initiative and is set to launch further routes to meet growing demand and support regional development.
With the addition of this new Lhasa-Chongqing-Singapore route, West Air is paving the way for greater cultural and economic exchanges, offering travellers an exciting opportunity to explore both the Tibetan Plateau and the dynamic city-state of Singapore. 
