Etihad, Scoot, Philippine Airlines, Vietjet Expand Asia-Pacific Routes
Major Asian carriers Etihad Airways, Scoot, Philippine Airlines, and Vietjet have announced significant network expansions and frequency increases across Asia-Pacific and beyond. Developments include new routes to Uzbekistan and Sri Lanka, alongside bolstered services to key destinations in China, Australia, and within Southeast Asia.
Etihad Airways Launches Tashkent Service, Codeshares with Uzbekistan Airways
Etihad Airways has commenced its inaugural service to Uzbekistan, establishing a daily non-stop connection between Abu Dhabi and Tashkent. The route, launched on an unspecified date, is complemented by a codeshare arrangement with Uzbekistan Airways.
This partnership allows Etihad passengers onward travel from Tashkent to eight domestic points within Uzbekistan: Andijan, Bukhara, Fergana, Namangan, Nukus, Samarkand, Termez, and Urgench. Additionally, the agreement extends to selected international destinations on Uzbekistan Airways’ network.
Conversely, Uzbekistan Airways will apply its code to Etihad’s daily flights operating between Tashkent and Abu Dhabi. This collaboration enhances connectivity for travellers between the UAE and Central Asia, opening up new access points for both business and leisure travel, as stated by Etihad Airways.
Scoot Expands China Network and Regional Frequencies
Scoot, Singapore Airlines’ low-cost subsidiary, is set to introduce a new three-times-weekly service from Singapore to Guiyang, China, commencing October 26, 2026. This route will utilise Airbus A320neo aircraft.
The addition expands Scoot's China network to 81 weekly flights across 16 cities and increases its global network to 86 destinations across 18 countries and territories. As part of its Northern Winter 2026/2027 schedule, effective from October 25, 2026, to March 27, 2027, Scoot will also raise regional flight frequencies across Asia-Pacific.
Services to Hat Yai, Thailand, will increase from 12 to 14 weekly flights, and Phuket, Thailand, from 17 to 21 weekly flights. Flights to Okinawa, Japan, will rise from four to five weekly. From December 2026, Clark, Philippines, services will expand from seven to 10 weekly, and Tiruchirappalli, India, from 12 to 14 weekly.
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, services will see an increase from 10 to 13 weekly flights starting January 2027. Furthermore, daily Phu Quoc, Vietnam, services will progressively transition from Embraer E190-E2 aircraft to larger Airbus A320 family aircraft to increase seat capacity, according to Scoot.
Philippine Airlines Ramps Up Melbourne Flights
Philippine Airlines (PAL) will increase its Manila to Melbourne, Australia, service from five weekly flights to daily operations, effective November 19, 2026. This expanded frequency provides additional travel options for passengers flying between the Philippines and Australia, as stated by Philippine Airlines.
The carrier already maintains a robust presence in Australia, operating daily flights to Brisbane and Sydney, alongside a three-times-weekly service to Perth. The decision to increase Melbourne flights reflects a strategic move to accommodate growing passenger demand and strengthen PAL's connectivity within the Asia-Pacific region.
This enhancement offers greater flexibility for both inbound and outbound travellers, facilitating business and leisure travel between the two countries.
Vietjet Expands International Reach and Resumes Domestic Services
Vietjet is broadening its international network with several new direct services connecting Vietnam with Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Thailand, and Japan. The airline officially launched a direct service between Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and Colombo, Sri Lanka, operating three round-trip flights per week.
From November 10, 2026, Vietjet will introduce three weekly round-trip flights on routes linking Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, Vietnam, with Cebu, Philippines, and Ho Chi Minh City with Clark, Philippines. The carrier will also resume its Ho Chi Minh City to Chiang Mai, Thailand, route from October 25, 2026, with four weekly round-trip flights.
Additionally, a new service connecting Danang, Vietnam, with Osaka Kansai, Japan, will launch on December 20, 2026, operating four times per week. Domestically, Vietjet resumed services connecting Dalat with Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Vinh, and Danang on August 19, 2026, following the reopening of Lien Khuong International Airport, as reported by Vietjet.
Increased Connectivity for Asia-Pacific Travellers
These network adjustments and expansions across Etihad Airways, Scoot, Philippine Airlines, and Vietjet collectively demonstrate a concerted effort by Asian carriers to strengthen regional and intercontinental air connectivity.
For travellers, these developments translate into a wider array of direct flight options, increased frequency on popular routes, and enhanced access to both established and emerging destinations across Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and Northeast Asia.
The codeshare agreement between Etihad and Uzbekistan Airways, in particular, opens up new avenues for transit and onward travel within Uzbekistan. Industry stakeholders will observe how these capacity increases influence competitive dynamics and pricing structures on the affected routes.
The strategic deployment of larger aircraft by Scoot on its Phu Quoc service also shows a focus on optimising seat capacity to meet demand, indicating a positive outlook on passenger volumes in these markets.
Get The Post.
The global travel stories that matter, three mornings a week. Free.
