AirAsia is set to commence flight operations between Port Blair and Kuala Lumpur, with ticket bookings opening in early August. Representatives from AirAsia’s Sales and Marketing teams, including Kishore Kumar, Praveen Kumar, and Liau Kean from the Malaysian Marketing team, are currently in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to assess this new route’s potential.
In a stakeholder meeting today, attended by top hoteliers, key players in the travel and tourism industry, and local digital news platforms, AirAsia’s representatives expressed strong optimism about starting the new flight operations. They announced that flights are likely to begin in November 2024.
AirAsia plans to offer fares significantly lower than those for the Port Blair-Chennai route, making international travel more accessible for Port Blair residents. The new route will use AirAsia’s Airbus A320 aircraft, which seats 180 passengers and is currently used to connect Port Blair with various Indian mainland cities.
The flights are expected to operate thrice a week, likely on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. This new route is anticipated to create numerous opportunities for the island’s residents and boost tourist inflow, enhancing the local economy. AirAsia’s venture into international flights from Port Blair marks a significant milestone, potentially making it the first airline to operate international flights to and from Port Blair.
Local business leaders raised questions about cargo operations and other flight aspects during the meeting. AirAsia representatives responded positively, addressing all concerns and reinforcing their commitment to making this international flight service a success.
This development promises to enhance connectivity and economic growth for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, linking them with Kuala Lumpur.
Source: Nicobar Times
