AirAsia introduces Johor Baru as hub for first route to India

AirAsia today introduced Johor Baru as its hub for its first route to Kolkata, India. (File Pix)

SEPANG: AirAsia today introduced Johor Baru as its hub for its first route to Kolkata, India.

The new Johor Baru-Kolkata route is set to commence operations on November 28, with 5 times weekly direct flights.

The unique route, which will further expand the connectivity from the airline’s southern hub, will be the airline’s 15th route from Johor Baru and sixth international destination from the hub.

AirAsia Berhad’s, Head of Commercial, Spencer Lee said since 2010, AirAsia has flown about 11 million guests into Senai International Airport and today they are proud to introduce the first route to Kolkata, India.

“Senai International Airport has been a great partner to AirAsia, and we are pleased to introduce more international routes from Johor Baru hub as part of our commitment to provide better connectivity to our guests and further grow the Southern hub.

“Besides the new international route, we have also added two domestic routes this year; Johor Baru-Kuala Terengganu and Johor Baru-Langkawi - as we believe Johor Baru has so much to offer from business, leisure, education, sports to medical tourism.”

“We are also thrilled to be the only airline in the country to offer this direct flight, linking southern Malaysia to the capital of West Bengal directly – and we hope that the announcement of this new connectivity will benefit both cities in many ways, in addition to strengthening the ties between Malaysia and India,” he added.

To commemorate the announcement of the new route, theleading low cost airlines is offering all-in-fares from RM99 one way on airasia.com from now to September 3 for the travel period between November 28 2017 and August 28, 2018.

AirAsia currently operates 150 weekly flights one way to Johor Baru’s Senai International Airport. In addition to Kolkata, AirAsia also flies to five other international routes from Johor Baru; Bangkok, Guangzhou, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, and Surabaya as well as nine other domestic routes from Johor Baru; Kuala Terengganu, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, Kuching, Miri, Tawau, Sibu, and Kota Kinabalu.

Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal state and India’s second biggest city, is also known as the ‘Cultural Capital of India’. The metropolitan city is rich with attractions such as the Victoria Memorial, a majestic architecture which echoes the design of the Taj Mahal; Belur Math, a temple which stands as an icon of the unity of all religions and many more. In addition, the world’s-famous Darjeeling tea plantation is just a train or bus ride away from Kolkata.

Also known as ‘City of Joy’, Kolkata is also well-known for its silk fabric; Tussar and Vishnupuri Silk besides delicious street food such as Jhal Muri, one of the most popular Bengali street snacks of puffed rice and other condiments; Pani Puri, a hollow chip filled with spiced potatoes, dunked into tamarind water; and Ghugni Chaat; a mix of hot yellow peas with vegetables.

-nst online.