People will be able to fly directly to Singapore from Gatwick Airport soon.

Singapore Airlines has announced a five-times weekly direct service from Gatwick to Singapore Changi Airport.

The flights will start on June 22, 2024, with a promotional lead-in fare of £645pp return to Singapore, available to book from December 19.

The airline already runs four daily flights from Heathrow and five-times weekly flights from Manchester.

Flight SQ309 is currently scheduled to operate from Gatwick’s North Terminal, departing at 10.15am and arriving in Singapore at 6.20am the next day.

The 13-hour flight will be operated with the Airbus A350-900, a highly fuel-efficient and quieter aircraft. The 253-seat aircraft features three cabin classes, with 42 seats in business class, 24 in premium economy class and 187 in economy class.

Mohamed Rafi Mar, Singapore Airlines general manager UK and Ireland, said: “We are excited to announce London Gatwick as our third UK gateway, offering customers more choice to Southeast Asia and beyond.

“There is growing demand for travel to Singapore and as the exclusive airline providing a direct service from Gatwick, now is a great time to come on board and experience our world-class service from this internationally recognised airport.”

Singapore Airlines flight SQ309 will operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Singapore Airlines flight SQ310 will operate on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays between Singapore Changi and Gatwick, from June 21, 2024. The A350-900 aircraft will depart at 23.55 arriving at 06:25 (+1).

Stewart Wingate, CEO of Gatwick, said: “We are delighted to welcome Singapore Airlines to London Gatwick.

“For passengers across London and the South East, the new route will provide huge connectivity potential, not only to the fantastic destination of Singapore, but more widely across Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand. With significant increases in trade between the UK and Singapore in recent years, the service also provides exciting opportunities for local and regional businesses.

“Passengers arriving from Singapore will benefit from London Gatwick’s outstanding connections, with our newly redesigned train station providing direct access to the heart of London in less than 30 minutes, alongside services to world-famous cities such as Cambridge and the UK’s beautiful south coast.”