SilkAir
Singapore’s former full-service regional airline, SilkAir linked its Singapore hub with short- and medium-haul destinations across Asia before merging into Singapore Airlines.
About SilkAir
SilkAir was a scheduled regional carrier based in Singapore and wholly owned by Singapore Airlines. Its roots lay in Tradewinds, which began airline operations in 1989 and adopted the SilkAir name in 1992. The brand was positioned between low-cost airlines and long-haul parent Singapore Airlines, providing full-service flights to regional markets. SilkAir ceased operating under its own identity in 2021 as its services and aircraft were progressively integrated into Singapore Airlines.
Singapore Changi Airport was SilkAir’s primary hub and the centre of its network. The airline served 43 destinations across 13 countries through 103 routes, with a strong focus on South Asia, Southeast Asia and selected points in China. Notable destinations included Bengaluru, Cebu City, Chennai, Da Nang, Davao City, Hanoi, Koh Samui, Kolkata, Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Phnom Penh. Siem Reap, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Cebu City were also among its busiest departure points by route count.
Aircraft types associated with SilkAir’s operations included the Airbus A319 and A320, alongside Boeing 737-400, 737-500 and 737-800 models. Records also include the Airbus A330-300 and Boeing 777-200/200ER, although SilkAir was best known for operating narrow-body aircraft suited to regional services. Flights generally offered Business Class and Economy Class, with conventional full-service features such as checked baggage, assigned seating and onboard refreshments varying by route and aircraft.
SilkAir was not an independent member of Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. However, its ownership and close commercial integration with Singapore Airlines connected passengers to the wider Singapore Airlines network and Star Alliance partners. Travellers could use KrisFlyer, the Singapore Airlines Group’s frequent-flyer programme, to earn and redeem miles on eligible SilkAir itineraries, subject to the fare rules and programme conditions applying at the time of travel.
SilkAir’s principal strength was its ability to feed regional cities into Singapore Airlines’ long-haul network through Changi, often serving destinations that did not justify wide-body flights. Its full-service model also distinguished it from many competing regional carriers. The main challenge for travellers today is that SilkAir no longer operates as a separate airline: historical route, baggage and cabin information may not match current Singapore Airlines services, so passengers should check the operating carrier and current ticket conditions.
Good to know
Flying with SilkAir — what to expect
Operations Have Ended
SilkAir was integrated into Singapore Airlines and no longer operates as a separate carrier. Any historical SilkAir route may now be flown by Singapore Airlines, another airline, or not operated at all.
Check Operating Carrier
For an itinerary originally associated with SilkAir, confirm the current operating airline and aircraft before departure. Cabin layouts and onboard amenities can differ even when the route remains available.
Baggage Depends on Fare
SilkAir operated as a full-service airline, but baggage entitlements depended on the cabin, fare and itinerary. Travellers using successor services should follow the allowance printed on their current Singapore Airlines ticket.
Changi Connections
SilkAir’s network was designed to connect regional passengers through Singapore Changi Airport. Allow sufficient transfer time and verify terminals and boarding gates, particularly when connecting between different operating airlines.
KrisFlyer Participation
Eligible SilkAir flights could earn and redeem KrisFlyer miles through the Singapore Airlines Group programme. For historical claims or current successor flights, check KrisFlyer’s rules and retain ticket documentation.
Network overview
Where SilkAir flies
SilkAir operates 103 routes to 43 destinations across 13 countries, its longest sector reaching Kathmandu to Singapore (3,537 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities SilkAir flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Kathmandu → Singapore
3,537 km · KTM → SIN
The longest sector in the SilkAir network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by SilkAir
Tracked SilkAir routes touch Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, India.
KUL - SINKuala Lumpur → Singapore0h 50m297 kmSIN - KULSingapore → Kuala Lumpur0h 50m297 kmHAN - SINHanoi → Singapore3h 3m2,216 kmSIN - HANSingapore → Hanoi3h 3m2,216 kmMAA - SINChennai → Singapore3h 52m2,925 kmSIN - MAASingapore → Chennai3h 52m2,925 kmKCH - SINKuching → Singapore1h 19m706 kmSIN - KCHSingapore → Kuching1h 19m706 kmMore from Singapore
Other airlines based in Singapore
FAQ
SilkAir — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- SilkAir no longer sells tickets under its own brand. For routes formerly operated by the airline, lower fares are generally easier to find by booking early, comparing flexible dates and avoiding major holidays and peak travel periods in Singapore and the destination country.
- The busiest SilkAir departure cities by number of routes were Singapore, Siem Reap, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Cebu City, in that order. Singapore Changi Airport was the airline’s central hub.
- SilkAir’s cabin-baggage allowance varied by travel class and ticket conditions. Because the airline no longer operates separately, passengers should use the limits stated by Singapore Airlines or the current operating carrier rather than relying on historical SilkAir rules.
- SilkAir served exactly 43 destinations across 13 countries, operating 103 routes. These figures describe its route network before the brand was integrated into Singapore Airlines.
- SilkAir’s primary hub was Singapore Changi Airport. Siem Reap, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Cebu City were also among its busiest departure points by route count.
- SilkAir’s longest route was Kathmandu to Singapore, covering about 3,537 km nonstop. Current availability and the operating airline should be checked before booking.
- SilkAir served regional destinations across South Asia and Southeast Asia, including Bengaluru, Cebu City, Chennai, Da Nang, Davao City, Hanoi, Koh Samui, Kolkata, Kuala Lumpur, Kuching and Phnom Penh. The airline has since been integrated into Singapore Airlines, so current service should be checked with the operating carrier.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts and never adds a fee. Since SilkAir no longer operates independently, results may show Singapore Airlines or other carriers serving its former routes.