Singapore Airlines is adding Gatwick as its third UK departure airport from next summer.

The airline has scheduled five flights a week from June 22 with a promotional lead-in fare of £645 return if booked before January 15.

The new service will complement SIA’s four daily flights from Heathrow and five-times a week flights from Manchester.

The addition of Gatwick will give the airline 38 direct flights a week from the UK to Singapore – more than any other carrier. 

The 13-hour flights will depart from Gatwick North Terminal operated by 253-seat three-class Airbus A350-900 aircraft.

The carrier claims it will offer the fastest connecting service from the UK to Sydney, in 21 hours 40 minutes from Gatwick.

SIA UK & Ireland general manager Mohamed Rafi Mar 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.”

Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate added: “Renowned as one of the world’s best carriers, we are delighted to welcome Singapore Airlines to London Gatwick. It showcases the high regard in which Gatwick is held, and connecting to the impressive Changi airport is a big boost for the whole region.

“For passengers across London and the southeast, 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.”