First TUI passenger flight to Singapore takes off from Birmingham Airport

TUI Airways’s inaugural flight from Birmingham Airport to Singapore Changi Airport departed on 13 December 2023. The TUI flight from Birmingham is also the only non-stop route from the UK city to Singapore, with other airlines only serving Singapore Changi via London and Manchester. The weekly flights on the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner will exclusively serve Marella Cruises customers heading out to Singapore to sail onboard Marella Discovery 2 for winter 2023-24.

This will be the first time that Marella Cruises has homeported out of Singapore, with the itineraries including an overnight stay in the city-state to give customers more time to explore and delve into modern metropolis and cultural haven during the day and night. The ship will call at various destinations, including Phu My in Vietnam; Malacca, Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia; and Laem Chabang in Thailand. The rotational cruises will also be complemented with TUI flying from London Gatwick and Manchester Airport. The last flight of the season will depart Birmingham on 3 April 2024, with the flights resuming for next winter on 11 December 2024.

Chris Hackney, Managing Director at Chris Hackney, said: “The inaugural flight from Birmingham Airport to Singapore marks an exciting new chapter for our customers based in the Midlands, who now have more choice and flexibility when it comes to choosing their dream cruise. Our Asia itineraries mean that customers can be exploring tropical islands one day, and buzzing cities the next, and we’re excited to be offering all the region has to offer to those flying from Birmingham Airport.

Adam Parker, Senior Aviation Manager at Birmingham Airport said:“We are delighted that TUI has started flying from BHX to Singapore to cater for its Midland-based cruise customers. This investment represents TUI’s confidence in BHX and the Midlands region, and its commitment to providing more options for customers.  TUI offers numerous sunshine destinations direct from Birmingham Airport. The addition of this direct long-haul service to Singapore to connect with Marella Cruises gives our customers even greater choice.”