Airfares from Singapore to Malaysia soar up to six times during CNY period; train tickets sold out

A two-way trip from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur by air would range from S$420 to S$1,245 in the days leading up to Chinese New Year. - Photo: ST

SINGAPORE: Getting his hands on flight tickets to return to his home town in Ipoh, Malaysia, during Chinese New Year is a feat that Tan Yik Xuan has to pull off every year.

Tan, a 26-year-old who works in logistics in Singapore, purchased return flight tickets in October 2025 – four months ahead of Chinese New Year in 2026 – for around $630. He had bought them significantly earlier because he was worried that he would not be able to secure tickets.