Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 16 November 2024
Today will go down in history as a significant milestone for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with the first-ever international commercial flight set to land at Veer Savarkar International Airport in Sri Vijaya Puram. AirAsia Flight AK 55, arriving from Kuala Lumpur at 10:20 AM (IST), will mark the beginning of international flight operations at the VSI Airport, opening new avenues for tourism and business.
This inaugural flight will also be the first international service to depart from Port Blair, with AirAsia’s return flight scheduled to take off at 10:55 AM IST for Kuala Lumpur. The commencement of direct international flights is expected to give a major boost to the islands’ tourism industry, one of the region’s primary economic drivers.
Excitement is building across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as residents prepare to witness this historic event. Experts predict that the introduction of international flights will bring tourists directly from global destinations, increasing footfall and providing a much-needed boost to the local economy. A source informed Nicobar Times that the first flight from KUL to IXZ has already seen a booking occupancy rate of over 80%, indicating strong demand for inbound travel to the islands.
Adding to the excitement, the first flight will bring journalists and influencers from Malaysia to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These guests will stay until Tuesday, exploring the islands’ natural beauty and cultural heritage, which they will share with their audiences upon returning home.
Starting today, AirAsia will operate thrice-weekly flights between Kuala Lumpur and Port Blair, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The flight from Kuala Lumpur will depart at 10:40 AM (GMT+8) and is scheduled to land in Port Blair at 10:20 AM (IST). The return flight will depart from Port Blair at 10:55 AM (IST) and will arrive in Kuala Lumpur at 4:15 PM (GMT+8), offering a convenient and timely connection for travellers.
The launch of this international service is expected to greatly enhance the connectivity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, making it easier for residents and tourists to access international destinations. As Port Blair strengthens its position as a key regional hub, this development is set to open new opportunities for both tourism and business in the islands.