In anticipation of the 2026 Chinese New Year, there has been a significant increase in air travel between Singapore and Malaysia. Ticket prices for some flights have risen as much as six times the normal rate due to the surge in holiday demand and sold-out train tickets.
Tan Yik Xuan, a 26-year-old logistics worker residing in Singapore, had to plan four months in advance to secure a flight back to his hometown, Ipoh. He purchased return tickets in October 2025 for $630, a cost nearly double the off-peak rate.
Tan described the fare as notably more costly compared to the usual off-peak rates of below $320. However, he was willing to pay the higher price for the flight rather than take a bus to avoid traffic jams and minimize travel time.
As of January 5, economy class tickets to Ipoh for the week of February 14 to 19 ranged from $822 to $1,222, a significant increase from the previous week’s prices of $124 to $191.
Other routes, such as those to Kuala Lumpur and Penang, are also experiencing similar surges in price. To accommodate the increasing demand, AirAsia has announced that it will add 7,500 seats. The airline’s pricing model reflects the supply and demand where fares are typically higher when purchased closer to the travel date during peak seasons.
For those traveling from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, a two-way trip by air could cost anywhere between $420 to $1,245 in the days leading up to Chinese New Year, compared to fares between $99 and $345 from February 7 to 12. Round-trip air tickets from Singapore to Penang could cost between $628 to $1,049 from February 14 to 19, which is higher than the price range of $107 to $469 during the preceding week.
Singapore Airlines and Scoot have reported a “healthy passenger demand” for the Chinese New Year, though they did not reveal booking figures.
Bus fares have also increased due to the high demand. Round-trip tickets to Kuala Lumpur are ranging from $89 to $276 for February 14 to 19, while tickets to Penang can go up to $370, a substantial increase from the off-peak price of $83.
Malaysian bus operator Causeway Link anticipates a large crowd and a high volume of ticket sales during the upcoming peak travel season and plans to have backup buses on standby to support passenger demand.
To circumvent these escalating costs, some travelers are adopting innovative routes. Insurance agent Lim Cin Min, 27, plans to take a local bus to Johor Bahru Immigration and Customs, then transfer to another bus from Larkin Sentral bus terminal to her hometown Batu Pahat. This creative solution will cost her only $8 and will allow her to avoid being stuck in traffic jams.
The recently launched electric train service (ETS) from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur offered another alternative to holiday travelers. However, tickets for peak dates are already sold out.
Data analyst Justin K, 29, was able to secure a return ETS ticket by extending his stay beyond the peak travel period. He paid $230 for a one-way ticket, more than twice the usual price, but found the slight increase in cost “much more palatable” compared to airfares. He plans to use the ETS for future trips due to its punctuality, fixed travel duration, and comfort.
What has caused the significant increase in air travel between Singapore and Malaysia?
The increase is primarily due to the surge in holiday demand ahead of the 2026 Chinese New Year, coupled with sold-out train tickets.
How are airlines dealing with the surge in demand?
Airlines like AirAsia are adding more seats to accommodate demand. However, due to the supply-and-demand model, fares are typically higher when purchased closer to the travel date during peak seasons.
Are there any alternative travel options available to those who find the increased airfare too expensive?
Yes, some travelers are adopting innovative routes using local buses. The recently launched electric train service (ETS) from Johor Bahru to Kuala Lumpur has also offered another alternative, although tickets for peak travel dates are already sold out.
