Pontianak, West Kalimantan. Budget carrier Scoot has launched direct flights between Singapore and Pontianak in West Kalimantan province, opening new opportunities for tourism, trade, and investment.

The inaugural Singapore–Pontianak–Singapore service took off on Monday, providing the equator city with its first direct link to the city-state in years. The route will operate three times a week through Supadio International Airport in Kubu Raya.

West Kalimantan Governor Ria Norsan welcomed the new route, saying it would make travel easier for local residents while helping attract international visitors to the province.

"For people traveling to Singapore and for Singaporeans who want to visit Pontianak, this route will make travel much easier because passengers no longer need to transit through other cities or use ferry services," Norsan said.

Previously, many travelers from West Kalimantan had to connect through Batam or rely on sea transportation to reach Singapore.

Officials expect the route to strengthen tourism in the province, which is known for its cultural attractions, rainforests, culinary heritage, and coastal destinations. The government is particularly keen to promote destinations such as Singkawang, a city famous for its Chinese heritage, temples, and annual Cap Go Meh celebrations.

Norsan said improved accessibility could help introduce West Kalimantan's tourism attractions to more international visitors, particularly travelers from Singapore.

"We need to continue promoting West Kalimantan's tourist destinations. Hopefully, increasing tourist arrivals will also support regional economic growth," he said.

The governor added that road infrastructure connecting Pontianak and Singkawang has improved significantly, making travel to one of the province's leading tourism destinations easier and more comfortable.

Beyond tourism, the direct service is also expected to support trade and cargo shipments. West Kalimantan produces seafood and agricultural commodities that could find larger markets in Singapore.

Norsan said products such as fish, shrimp, crab, and other seafood products have export potential as Singapore relies heavily on imported food supplies.

The provincial government is also seeking to expand international connectivity further by pursuing direct flights between Pontianak and cities in China, including Beijing and Guangzhou.

Meanwhile, Maya Damayanti, general manager of Supadio International Airport, described Scoot's arrival as an important milestone for the province's international connectivity.

"The presence of Scoot is an important development in strengthening West Kalimantan's connectivity with the international market through Singapore," she said.

According to airport data, international traffic at Supadio has steadily recovered following the pandemic. Since international services resumed in September 2025, the airport has recorded 1,289 international aircraft movements and more than 155,000 international passengers, with average load factors reaching 70%.

Airport authorities said the figures reflect stable demand for overseas travel from West Kalimantan for tourism, business, education and medical purposes.

Supadio International Airport currently serves international routes to Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, and Singapore. Officials hope the new service will further strengthen West Kalimantan's competitiveness as a tourism and business destination while expanding the province's links with regional markets.