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FlyAmritsar Initiative hails new flights that will boost Punjab’s air connectivity
Air India Express is set to launch two new flight routes from Amritsar.
Sameep Singh Gumtala and Yogesh Kamra. / Courtesy photo
In a major boost to Punjab's air connectivity, Air India Express has announced two new flight routes connecting Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar, to Bengaluru and Bangkok. The flights, commencing Dec.27, 2024, have been described as a "New Year gift for Punjab" by the FlyAmritsar Initiative.
The FlyAmritsar Initiative is a voluntary advocacy campaign led by global and local community leaders, including the Punjabi diaspora, to advocate for improved air connectivity to Amritsar.
According to Sameep Singh Gumtala, global convener of the FlyAmritsar Initiative, and Yogesh Kamra, Convener (India), the new routes promise to enhance convenience for travelers while strengthening Amritsar’s position as a global aviation hub.
The Bengaluru-Amritsar route will operate four times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The flight from Bengaluru will depart at 5:55 a.m., arriving in Amritsar at 9:20 a.m. The return leg will leave Amritsar at 11:30 p.m., reaching Bengaluru at 2:45 a.m.
On the international front, the Amritsar-Bangkok flight will also run four times a week on the same days. Departing Amritsar at 10:40 a.m., the flight will arrive at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport at 5:00 p.m. The return flight will leave Bangkok at 6:00 p.m., arriving in Amritsar at 9:30 p.m. Both routes will utilize the Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft.
Expanding connectivity
This announcement follows the recent launch of Thai Lion Air’s direct flights from Amritsar to Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport on Oct.27, 2024. With Air India Express joining the fold, Amritsar will now boast eight weekly flights to Bangkok, offering travelers more flexibility.
Domestically, IndiGo Airlines already operates a daily service to Bengaluru, with an additional daily flight during the peak winter season until Jan.31, 2025. “The introduction of Air India Express flights will add further capacity, offering travelers additional options and potentially reducing fares through increased competition,” said Gumtala.
Boost to tourism and economy
Gumtala emphasized that these new flights are poised to drive inbound tourism and economic benefits for Punjab. “With greater accessibility for international travelers from Southeast Asia and domestic tourists from Bengaluru, the region will see significant economic gains,” he said.
Amritsar’s connectivity is further enhanced by direct flights to Southeast Asia, including Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, which provide seamless connections to global destinations. “The new flights by Air India Express further solidify Amritsar’s position as a global aviation hub,” Gumtala added.
Kamra, meanwhile, urged the Punjab government to take proactive steps to support the airport’s growth, such as launching intercity bus services via PUNBUS and PRTC to link the airport with major cities in the state. “Such measures will strengthen the airport’s role as a hub for international travel and trade, ensuring its long-term growth and success,” he said.
The FlyAmritsar Initiative extended its gratitude to Air India Express for their efforts to expand Amritsar’s air connectivity. The initiative also called on travelers to prioritize Amritsar Airport over Delhi to ensure the success of these new routes and existing connections.
“These developments align with our efforts to promote Amritsar as a global aviation and tourism destination,” Kamra concluded.
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