What’s new?
On 25 December 2024, West Air introduced a brand-new direct flight service connecting Singapore Changi (SIN) and Lhasa Gonggar (LXA), with a technical stop in Chongqing for refueling and immigration. This marks only the second ever international flight route to Tibet, following the Kathmandu–Lhasa service.
Flight Schedule & Aircraft
• Singapore → Lhasa (Flight PN6426):
Departs Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 04:55 from Singapore, arriving 15:20 in Lhasa (total ~10 hours 25 minutes) after a ~2.5-hour stop in Chongqing.
• Lhasa → Singapore (Flight PN6425):
Operates Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, departing 17:40 from Lhasa, arriving 03:55 the next day in Singapore (total duration: ~10 hours and 15 minutes).
• Aircraft: Airbus A319 with 3×3 seating configuration .
🌏 Why It Matters
1. Boosts air connectivity between Tibet and Southeast Asia, making Lhasa more accessible to Singapore travelers.
2. Strategic “air corridor”: Enhances cultural and tourism exchange under the China–Singapore Visa Exemption Agreement, effective Feb 2024.
3. Tibet tourism impact: Offers tourists easier access to iconic sites like the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and nearby sacred mountains.
Fares & Promotions
• Round-trip fares from Lhasa ↔ Singapore start around RMB 1,888 (~SGD 370), inclusive of taxes.
• One-way from Singapore starts at SGD 70 (tax excluded).
• Discounts include 10 % for early purchase (≥ 7 days) and extra baggage allowances for students/families.
Important Travel Notes
• Tibet Travel Permit is mandatory; foreign travelers must apply via licensed agencies.
• Despite the transit stop in Chongqing, visa-free entry for Singapore passport holders (30 days) streamlines travel planning.
✅ What to Know Before Booking
| Tip | Details |
| Document Essentials | Arriving by plane means a sudden ascent to ~3,650 m; consider acclimatization strategies (medications, oxygen supplements). |
| Altitude Challenge | Arriving by plane means sudden ascent to ~3,650 m; consider acclimatization strategies (medications, oxygen supplements). |
| Local Access | This new route makes multi-region tours (e.g., Lhasa plus Everest Base Camp or Kailash) easier and more efficient. |
Bottom line: Since late 2024, three flights per week have made Singapore one of the few international gateways to the Tibetan plateau, saving time and simplifying logistics. With visa exemption and promotional fares, now is a prime time to consider a pilgrimage or cultural expedition to Tibet.