Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 25 July 2024
AirAsia is on the verge of launching flight operations between Port Blair and Kuala Lumpur, with ticket bookings expected to open as early as the first week of 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 the potential for this new route.
In a stakeholder meeting held today, attended by top hoteliers and key players in the travel and tourism industry, as well as local digital news platforms, AirAsia’s representatives expressed strong optimism about commencing the new flight operations. They announced that the flights are likely to start from November 2024.
One of the most attractive aspects of this new route is the pricing strategy. AirAsia intends to offer fares that are significantly lower than those currently charged for the Port Blair to Chennai route, making international travel more accessible for the residents of Port Blair.
The new route will be serviced by AirAsia’s Airbus A320 aircraft, which has a seating capacity of 180. This aircraft type is currently used by several airlines to connect Port Blair to various cities on the Indian mainland. The flights are expected to operate thrice a week, probably on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
The introduction of flights between Port Blair and Kuala Lumpur is expected 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 would mark a significant milestone, as they may become the first airline to operate international flights to and from Port Blair.
During the meeting, local business leaders raised various questions regarding cargo operations and other aspects of flight operations. AirAsia representatives responded positively, addressing all concerns and reinforcing their commitment to making this international flight service a success.
This development heralds a new era of connectivity and economic growth for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, promising to link the serene islands with the bustling capital of Malaysia.