Tigerair will start weekly flights between Singapore and Jinan from Sept 17, which will be the only direct flights between the Shandong provincial capital and the city-state.

The route by the Singapore-based no-frills airline will depart every Tuesday from Singapore and return on Wednesday from Jinan.

"Singapore has long been a favorite holiday destination for Chinese tourists, and with the commencement of the only direct flight from Jinan to Singapore, Jinan residents will have an easier and quicker way to visit the Lion City and other neighboring cities in Asia Pacific via Singapore Changi Airport," said Ho Yuen Sang, managing director and chief operating officer of Tigerair, in a statement announcing the route.

Tigerair’s Asia Pacific network has widened in recent months following strategic alliances inked with companies including Scoot and Cebu Pacific. Passengers can connect via Singapore to destinations such as the Maldives, Bali and Sydney.

Jinan passengers on such extended itineraries will be able to seamlessly connect through Singapore Changi Airport.

By Li Jing