December 13, 2024 (Yes Punjab News)
In a significant boost for Punjab’s air connectivity, Air India Express is set to launch two new flight routes from Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar, starting December 27, 2024.
These new services will connect Amritsar with Bengaluru and Bangkok, providing travelers with greater convenience and enhancing the region’s connectivity.
Sharing this exciting update, Sameep Singh Gumtala, Global Convener of the FlyAmritsar Initiative, and Yogesh Kamra, Convener (India), described the new flights as a New Year gift for Punjab. According to the schedule released by the airline, the flight from Bengaluru will depart in the morning at 5:55am and arrive in Amritsar at 9:20am. The return leg will depart in the evening at 11:30pm and reach Bengaluru at 2:45am.
Similarly, the flight from Amritsar will depart at 10:40am and arrive in Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport at 5:00pm. The return flight from Bangkok will leave at 6:00pm and arrive in Amritsar at 9:30pm. Both routes will operate four times a week – on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, using the Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft.
This development follows the recent launch of direct flights to Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport by Thai Lion Air on October 27, 2024. With the addition of Air India Express flights, Amritsar will now offer a total of eight weekly connections to Bangkok, providing passengers more choices and flexibility.
On the domestic front, IndiGo Airlines currently operates a daily service to Bengaluru from Amritsar. During the current peak winter season, IndiGo has added a second daily flight until January 31, 2025.
The introduction of Air India Express flights will add further capacity, offering travelers additional options and potentially reducing fares through increased competition, added Gumtala.
Gumtala emphasized that the launch of these new flights is expected to significantly boost inbound tourism to Punjab. With greater accessibility for international travelers from Southeast Asia and domestic tourists from Bengaluru will bring economic benefits to the region.
“Amritsar is already well-connected to Southeast Asia with direct flights from Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia, Batik Air) and Singapore (Scoot). These carriers offer seamless one-stop connections to Bangkok, Australia and many other global destinations. The new flights by Air India Express further solidify Amritsar’s position as a global aviation hub,” he added.
“These developments align with the FlyAmritsar Initiative’s efforts to promote Amritsar as a global aviation and tourism destination,” said Kamra.
He urged the state government to take proactive measures, including launching intercity bus services on PUNBUS and PRTC routes to link the airport directly to major cities across Punjab. “Such steps will strengthen the airport’s role as a hub for international travel and trade, ensuring its long-term growth and success.”
The FlyAmritsar Initiative extended its gratitude to Air India Express for their efforts to expand Amritsar’s air connectivity. The initiative also urged all stakeholders, including travelers, to choose Amritsar Airport over Delhi to ensure the success of these new routes and existing connections.
About FlyAmritsar Initiative
The FlyAmritsar Initiative is a voluntary advocacy campaign led by global and local community leaders, including the Punjabi diaspora, to promote improved air connectivity to Amritsar. The initiative focuses on highlighting the economic, cultural, and social benefits of increased international and domestic flights to the holy city, thereby boosting tourism, trade, and development in the region.
