August 1, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
In a significant enhancement to the international connectivity of Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport Amritsar, the FlyAmritsar Initiative is pleased to share that Malaysia Airlines has increased its flight frequency between Kuala Lumpur and Amritsar from four weekly flights to daily services, effective August 1, 2024.
This increase offers more convenient connections and travel options between Amritsar and Southeast Asian countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, via Kuala Lumpur.
Sameep Singh Gumtala, Global Convener of the FlyAmritsar Initiative, and Yogesh Kamra, Convener for India, expressed their enthusiasm about this development.
They noted that the increased flights by Malaysia Airlines, along with the existing four weekly flights by Air Asia X and three weekly flights by Batik Air, have significantly boosted seat capacity between Kuala Lumpur and Amritsar.
In addition to travelers from Punjab, these 28-weekly flights also cater to passengers from neighboring states such as Himachal Pradesh, Jammu, and Haryana.
“We are thrilled to see the growing connectivity between Amritsar, Punjab, and key destinations in Southeast Asia,” said Gumtala.
“This increase in flights enhances travel options for our Punjabi community, with journeys from cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, and Perth in Australia, and Auckland in New Zealand, taking just 15 to 18 hours with a short transit time of only 2 to 3 hours at Kuala Lumpur. Additionally, Scoot, a subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, also offers five weekly flights connecting passengers to Singapore and Southeast Asia.”
Yogesh Kamra highlighted the importance of these developments for travelers from Punjab. “With more flights now operated by three airlines from Malaysia and greater seat availability, passengers can enjoy more flexible, convenient travel arrangements and lower fares. This is a significant step forward in enhancing Amritsar’s position as a key hub for international travel.”
The route was initially launched by the Malaysia airlines in November 2023. Due to strong demand, the frequency was doubled from two to four times weekly in January 2024.
The Initiative members had met with airline regional manager Amit Mehta regarding the flight operations. Kamra added that the success of this route demonstrates that the diaspora, when given the option, prefers to fly directly to Amritsar rather than transiting through Delhi.
This preference is largely due to the convenience of avoiding immigration procedures, luggage re-checking, long wait times at Delhi airport, and 6 to 12 hours of additional travel time to reach Punjab.
Despite the increased international and domestic connectivity from Amritsar, with an average of 65 daily flights and 10,000 daily passengers, the busiest and largest international airport in Punjab still lacks bus connectivity from cities within Punjab provided by the State Government.
Instead, the Mann Government is promoting Delhi Airport by offering bus services and opening an information center, added Gumtala.
