Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar: Excitement is building among the residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as major positive news circulates on social media: the first international flight route to and from the islands is set to commence between Port Blair, India, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Starting in November 2024, AirAsia, renowned for its extensive Asian coverage, will begin operating flights between Kuala Lumpur and Port Blair thrice a week. The schedule shows departures from Port Blair at 11:00 AM and arrivals in Kuala Lumpur at 4:15 PM.
Flights from Kuala Lumpur will depart at 10:40 AM and arrive in Port Blair at 10:25 PM, according to AirAsia’s brochure.
This development is expected to significantly boost economic growth, particularly in the tourism sector, and enhance various trading markets. Islanders are welcoming the news with great enthusiasm, seeing it as a gateway to broader economic opportunities and increased tourism.
The operation of an international route starting from Kuala Lumpur could also become a transit point for tourists from various countries like Australia, Japan, and America. Foreign tourists can reach Malaysia and then directly travel to the Andaman Islands. This will serve as a gateway to boost the tourism sector.
Additionally, tourists in the Andaman Islands will be able to travel to many other countries through Malaysia without needing to connect via Chennai or Delhi. This development will play a significant role as a gateway for tourism and transit.
With its hub in Kuala Lumpur, AirAsia is widely recognized as a leading global low-cost carrier, operating over 1,500 weekly flights across ASEAN countries, Australia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and beyond.
The president of the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) stressed the importance of stakeholder support for the sustainability and success of the new route. He urged local administrations to provide all necessary assistance to aviation companies to ensure seamless international operations. The introduction of AirAsia flights between Port Blair and Kuala Lumpur is welcome news for the Islanders, with the potential to connect Port Blair with over 30 cities across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and beyond.
This new international route promises to enhance the connectivity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, fostering growth and opening up new avenues for tourism and trade.
Flight Timings
| Route | Departure Time (Local) | Arrival Time (Local) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port Blair to Kuala Lumpur | 11:00 AM | 4:15 PM | Thrice a week (Days TBD) |
| Kuala Lumpur to Port Blair | 10:40 AM | 10:25 PM | Thrice a week (Days TBD) |
