Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 17 November 2024
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands witnessed a historic moment as the first-ever international flight operations commenced at Veer Savarkar International Airport, Sri Vijaya Puram. AirAsia’s maiden flight from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, landed at the airport to a warm reception, symbolising a new chapter in the region’s aviation history.
The inaugural flight carried 156 passengers, along with a crew comprising three captains and four cabin members. On its return journey, the flight ferried 113 passengers from Sri Vijaya Puram to Kuala Lumpur. The aircraft was greeted with a water cannon salute, a customary honour for inaugural flights, as it taxied on the tarmac.
An arrival ceremony was held to celebrate the occasion, featuring a traditional dance performance. Dignitaries including the Hon’ble Lt. Governor of A & N Islands and Vice Chairman of the Islands Development Agency, Admiral DK Joshi (Retd.), Member of Parliament Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, Chief of Staff-Andaman Nicobar Command Rear Admiral Biplab Hota, Chief Secretary Mr. Keshav Chandra, and DGP Mr. Hargobinder Singh Dhaliwal graced the event, along with senior officials and tourism stakeholders.
Given the tight 40-minute window between the flight’s arrival and departure, the ceremony included brief addresses and felicitations.
AirAsia’s Managing Director, Dato’ Captain Fareh, expressed pride in the milestone, emphasising its role in enhancing air connectivity between India and Malaysia.
Mr. Vishwendra, Secretary of Tourism and Civil Aviation, lauded the Administration’s efforts, undertaken in collaboration with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, to make this milestone possible. Similarly, Airport Director Mr. Devendra Yadav hailed the event as a historic moment for the civil aviation sector in the islands.
Among the passengers on this maiden flight were journalists and influencers from Malaysia, who will explore the Andaman and Nicobar Islands before the next flight on Tuesday. Their visit is expected to bolster international tourism and showcase the islands’ charm to a global audience.
The commencement of international flights has sparked optimism among the Islanders, who see it as a gateway to increased international tourism and economic growth.
AirAsia has announced thrice-weekly flights between Kuala Lumpur and Sri Vijaya Puram, operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Flights will depart Kuala Lumpur at 10:40 AM (GMT+8) and land in Sri Vijaya Puram at 10:20 AM (IST). The return flight will leave Sri Vijaya Puram at 10:55 AM (IST) and arrive in Kuala Lumpur at 4:15 PM (GMT+8), offering seamless connectivity for travellers.
This development is expected to unlock new opportunities in tourism and business, fostering stronger ties between the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the global community.