Loss-making Jetstar Asia to shut down by July 31

PHOTO: JETSTAR ASIA via The Straits Times

MANILA, Philippines — Jetstar Asia will soon stop operating its Singapore-Manila flights as Qantas’ loss-making budget airline will permanently cease operations by July 31.

The airline said that the rising costs from suppliers, airport fees and aviation charges have put an “unsustainable pressure” on the company.

“Following an extensive and careful review of the Jetstar Asia (3K) airline, the very difficult decision has been made to progressively reduce the airlines’ schedule before permanently ceasing operations on 31 July 2025,” the company said on Wednesday.

“Despite our best efforts to offset these rising costs, they are expected to continue into the foreseeable future, putting unsustainable pressure on Jetstar Asia’s ability to offer low fares,” it added.

The company is currently operating 18 return services from Singapore to Manila per week.

Other affected destinations are Bangkok, Colombo, Denpasar, Kuala Lumpur, Medan, Melbourne and Okinawa, among others.

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Restructuring plan

The closure, however, will not affect flights operated by Jetstar Airways (JQ) and Jetstar Japan (GK).

Customers with bookings from July 31 onwards can avail of a full refund.

Shutting down the airline is part of Qantas Group’s restructuring plan to divert up to $500 million of its capital into its fleet renewal program.

Jetstar Asia’s 13 Airbus A320 aircraft will be redeployed to Australia and New Zealand following the closure.

“We are currently undertaking the most ambitious fleet renewal program in our history, with almost 200 firm aircraft orders and hundreds of millions of dollars being invested into our existing fleet,” Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson said in a statement.

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