Sri Vijaya Puram, June 9: Months after suspending the only international commercial flight connecting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to Southeast Asia, AirAsia remains non-committal about its plans, despite a targeted government push to make such routes more attractive to foreign carriers.
The Kuala Lumpur–Sri Vijaya Puram service, launched in November 2024, was a milestone for the islands, creating their first direct link to the global aviation network. However, the airline withdrew the service on April 10, 2025, just five months after launch, without issuing any public explanation. https://thewaveandaman.com/airasia-port-blair-kuala-lumpur-route-cancelled/
When contacted by The Wave Andaman, the airline offered no comment on whether it planned to resume the route.
The suspension has left the upgraded Veer Savarkar International Airport without international flights, disrupting tourism campaigns and delaying the region’s wider connectivity ambitions.
In response, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has introduced a new incentive scheme targeting 13 underserved international airports, including Sri Vijaya Puram. Aiming to attract foreign airlines, the package includes a full waiver on User Development Fees (UDF) for the first year, with phased reductions over the next two years. According to aviation officials, this could lower operating costs by up to ₹1.5 lakh per flight, potentially improving the business case for international carriers. https://thewaveandaman.com/aai-udf-waiver-sri-vijaya-puram-international-flights/
The AirAsia service, while modest in performance with average occupancy between 40 and 50 percent, was seen by the local tourism and trade community as a symbolic and strategic beginning. Industry stakeholders had hoped the route would be a stepping stone toward sustained international connectivity.
However, the operation faced significant challenges. These included delays in applying promised fee exemptions, limited ground handling infrastructure, and the absence of reliable local aviation fuel supplies. In the absence of adequate refueling facilities, fuel was flown in from Malaysia, substantially raising the cost of operations.
Though there is no word yet on whether AirAsia will return or if another airline might step in, aviation analysts say the islands have already demonstrated that they can handle international flights. The focus now must shift toward retention and growth.
“The route proved feasibility, but not sustainability,” said a person familiar with the matter. “Without timely infrastructure and policy support, carriers will remain cautious.”
While the AAI’s incentives are seen as a step in the right direction, stakeholders caution that success will ultimately depend on structural improvements on the ground and clear, timely execution.
For now, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands remain disconnected from international skies, waiting not just for the return of a flight, but for the return of confidence.
