Singapore Airlines Steps In to Support Jetstar Asia Staff Amid Closure
Rescue jobs, redeployed planes, and a changing future for regional air travel

Jetstar Asia Shuts Down After 20 Years

Jetstar Asia, the Qantas Group’s Singapore-based low-cost airline, will cease operations on 31 July 2025. This decision comes after more than two decades in the region, with financial losses, rising costs, and fierce competition cited as key reasons. The closure affects 16 intra-Asia routes and puts 500 jobs at risk.

Singapore Airlines Offers Lifeline

In response, Singapore Airlines has stepped in to support affected staff. It has committed to creating 300 new positions, including 100 for pilots and 200 for cabin crew across its group, including Scoot.

From 17–19 June, representatives from Singapore Airlines and Scoot will meet with Jetstar Asia employees to discuss job opportunities and assist with applications. A dedicated recruitment channel has also been launched.

“We understand this is a time of uncertainty and are committed to making recruitment as smooth as possible,” a spokesperson said.

Financial Struggles Behind the Closure

Jetstar Asia was expected to post a $35 million loss this year. With supplier costs up by 200%, airport fees rising, and competition from airlines like AirAsia, Scoot, and Cebu Pacific, staying profitable became impossible. Despite strong performance and customer service, the airline could no longer deliver returns comparable to Qantas’ core markets.

As part of Qantas’ $500 million capital recycling plan, Jetstar Asia’s 13 Airbus A320s will be redeployed to Australia and New Zealand. These aircraft will support low-cost routes, domestic growth, and Qantas’ major fleet renewal program. The redeployment will also help create over 100 new jobs in Australia and lower operating costs by replacing leased aircraft.

A Strategic Pivot for Qantas

The closure of Jetstar Asia is part of Qantas’ broader strategy to strengthen its core operations. The company is shifting focus toward more stable, high-performing markets while continuing its ambitious fleet renewal, including new A321XLR and A350-1000ULR aircraft.

Jetstar Airways and Jetstar Japan remain unaffected, with services between Australia and Asia continuing as normal.

What This Means for Regional Travel

Jetstar Asia’s closure marks a significant change in Asia-Pacific budget travel. For over two decades, it offered affordable flights across Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and beyond. Its exit leaves a gap—and creates opportunities—for other regional players.

Still, the airline’s legacy remains. It opened the skies for millions, and its impact on the low-cost travel movement will not be forgotten.

Singapore Airlines is stepping in as a stabilising force for hundreds of Jetstar Asia workers. Meanwhile, Qantas redirects resources to reinforce its home markets—closing one chapter, while writing the next.