AMRITSAR- Air India Express (IX) will inaugurate direct flights from Amritsar’s Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ) to Bengaluru (BLR) and Bangkok (BKK) on December 27, 2024.
The expansion strengthens Punjab’s air connectivity network and opens new travel corridors for business and leisure travelers.
Air India Express Amritsar Expansion
Amritsar to Bengaluru Flight Schedule:
The airline will operate Boeing 737 MAX 8 (737-8) aircraft on both routes four times weekly – Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
- The Bengaluru flight departs at 5:55 AM and lands in Amritsar at 9:20 AM
- while the return service leaves Amritsar at 11:30 PM, reaching Bengaluru at 2:45 AM.
Amritsar to Bangkok Schedule:
- The Bangkok service connects Amritsar to Thailand’s Suvarnabhumi Airport with a morning departure at 10:40 AM, landing at 5:00 PM local time.
- The return flight takes off from Bangkok at 6:00 PM and touches down in Amritsar at 9:30 PM.
FlyAmritsar Initiative’s Global Convener Sameep Singh Gumtala, along with India Convener Yogesh Kamra and North America Convener Anantdeep Singh Dhillon, welcomed the development as a New Year gift for Punjab.
The new routes enhance Amritsar’s position as a growing aviation hub, connecting the region to major domestic and international destinations.
The direct connections eliminate the need for layovers, reducing travel time and costs for passengers traveling between these cities. These routes also boost tourism potential and create new opportunities for trade and cultural exchange between Punjab, South India, and Southeast Asia.
Southeast Asian Expansion
Air India Express’s new routes complement Thai Lion Air’s (SL) recent direct flights to Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport, launched on October 27, 2024. Amritsar now provides eight weekly flights to Bangkok, expanding options for international travelers.
The domestic sector sees enhanced connectivity as IndiGo Airlines (6E) maintains its daily Bengaluru service, with an additional daily flight operating during the peak winter season until January 31, 2025. Air India Express’s entry into this route increases seat capacity and creates competitive pricing dynamics.
FlyAmritsar Initiative’s Global Convener Sameep Singh Gumtala projects substantial growth in Punjab’s inbound tourism through improved accessibility from Southeast Asia and South India. The economic impact extends beyond tourism to trade and cultural exchanges.
Amritsar’s international connectivity showcases direct flights from multiple carriers.
Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Batik Air serve the Kuala Lumpur route, while Scoot operates flights to Singapore. These airlines provide one-stop connections to Bangkok, Australia, and global destinations, establishing Amritsar as a significant aviation hub.
FlyAmritsar Initiative
FlyAmritsar Initiative’s India Convener Yogesh Kamra advocates for state government intervention to maximize the impact of new international flights at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport.
The initiative requests the implementation of direct intercity bus services through PUNBUS and PRTC networks to connect the airport with Punjab’s major cities.
The advocacy group commends Air India Express’s commitment to expanding Amritsar’s aviation network. The organization urges travelers to prioritize Amritsar Airport over Delhi for their journeys, emphasizing that consistent passenger traffic supports route sustainability and attracts additional carriers.
FlyAmritsar Initiative operates as a volunteer-driven advocacy campaign, uniting global Punjabi diaspora leaders with local community representatives. The organization champions Amritsar’s development as an aviation hub by demonstrating the region’s potential for international trade, religious tourism, and cultural exchange.
Feature Image by Harsh Tekriwal | X
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