Port Blair's Veer Savarkar Airport is gearing up to welcome its first international flight in what is a significant milestone in the region's tourism and connectivity plans.
The maiden AirAsia flight will fly from Port Blair's Veer Savarkar Airport to Kuala Lumpur. Starting November 16, 2024, and running until October 25, 2025, AirAsia will offer three weekly flights between Kuala Lumpur and Port Blair on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Tuesdays. This groundbreaking development will make it easier for Indian nationals to enjoy vacations in Kuala Lumpur, as they can visit Malaysia visa-free until June 2025 (for a maximum of 30 days).
“Now that we have announced the international flights, we hope more tourists come and tourism increases in Port Blair,” said Andaman Association of Tour Operators President Mohan Vinod, according to an ANI report.
The expansion and modernisation of the airport have been underway for several years, with the aim of enhancing its capacity and infrastructure to accommodate international flights. Earlier this year, the Veer Savarkar International Airport in Port Blair was upgraded from a grade III to a grade II airport by the Airports Authority of India. This upgrade grants the airport greater autonomy and administrative powers, and followed the inauguration of a new, larger terminal building last year.
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The introduction of international flights to Port Blair is expected to boost tourism to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a pristine archipelago renowned for its natural beauty, pristine beaches, and rich biodiversity. In the future, direct connections to international destinations will allow travellers from multiple nations to have more access to explore the islands' stunning landscapes, vibrant coral reefs, and historical sites.