Embarking on a journey that spans the skies and cultural connections, Malaysia Airlines is set to etch a new chapter in its India-bound flights. In a strategic move that marries convenience and cultural exploration, the airline will soon initiate direct flights to Amritsar, a city that resonates with the echoes of spirituality and history. The carrier will navigate the routes between Kuala Lumpur and Amritsar. It will not only expand its network but also facilitate a link between two vibrant cultures.
Malaysia Airlines’ Direct Link To Amritsar
Aviation Week reported that the airline will start these flights on November 10 and operate two roundtrip flights per week using Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The Golden City will be the seventh Indian city with direct flights from the airline. It already provides service to New Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
Currently, Batik Air Malaysia operates three direct flights per week between Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) and Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport (ATQ) in Amritsar. Starting on September 3, AirAsia X also plans to add four weekly flights on this route using Airbus A330-300 aircraft. As noted by the aviation portal, the additional capacity from AirAsia X’s return and Malaysia Airlines’ entry into the market will significantly increase the number of two-way seats between Kuala Lumpur and Amritsar, from about 970 to over 5,000 weekly.
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New Flight Path Promises Smooth Connectivity
The flight schedule for Malaysia Airlines includes Monday and Friday departures at 11 pm, with arrivals at 2:30 am the following day. On Tuesdays and Saturdays at 3:30 am, ATQ will launch return flights, which will land in Kuala Lumpur at 11:45 am. Reservations for the new route will not be available for some time, but the airline’s current Amritsar service is made possible by a codeshare with Vistara via New Delhi.
The establishment of this route supports Malaysia’s tourism objectives, which call for 16.1 million foreign visitor arrivals and RM49.3 billion (₹8,76,35,13,77,000) in tourism-related revenue. With 324,548 Indian tourists expected to travel to Malaysia in 2022, India is a major source of the nation’s tourism revenue. Additionally, there was a noticeable increase in the first quarter of 2023, with 164,566 Indian tourists compared to 13,370 during the same time last year.
Due to the increased connectivity, Indian visitors can now apply for Malaysia’s eVISA Multiple Entry Visa (MEV), which improves travel convenience between the two countries.
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