AirAsia Announces Exciting New Routes to Nepal and Hong Kong
AirAsia is set to broaden its network by launching new routes that will connect Thailand with Nepal and Indonesia with Hong Kong, marking significant expansions in its international route offerings.
Starting October 2, Thai AirAsia will initiate a service from Bangkok Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), operating four times per week. This new route signifies Thai AirAsia’s entry into the Nepalese market, a region previously served by the group’s long-haul affiliate, AirAsia X, until October 2018.
Thai AirAsia CEO, Santisuk Klongchaiya, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, noting, “Nepal remains a top destination for travelers from Thailand and around the world. Expanding our network to include Kathmandu aligns with our goal to explore new and popular destinations.” This new link will position AirAsia as the fourth airline to provide nonstop flights between Thailand and Nepal, joining Thai Airways, Nepal Airlines, and Thai Lion Air in servicing this route.
Furthermore, Indonesia AirAsia is set to enhance connectivity with Hong Kong by introducing daily flights from both Bali and Jakarta in October. The Bali to Hong Kong route will commence on October 1, followed by the Jakarta to Hong Kong route on October 8. These new services are expected to cater to the increasing travel and tourism demand, with Hong Kong tourists to Indonesia nearing the total visits of the previous year in just the first half of 2024.
These routes not only promise to boost tourism but are also anticipated to enhance business and trade connections between the regions. According to Santisuk Klongchaiya, “The tremendous growth potential in South Asia has spurred us to increase our flight offerings to meet the demand in tourism, trade, and business, benefiting both regions extensively.”
As part of its strategy to increase Southeast Asian connections, Hong Kong has also been active in forming new partnerships, recently signing agreements to develop more routes with Vietnamese and Cambodian entities, reflecting a robust interest in enhancing regional air travel connectivity.