Assam CM, Air Asia CEO discuss Guwahati-ASEAN flights

Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has discussed the modalities of starting direct flights between Guwahati with ASEAN countries with Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Air Asia, Amar Abrol.

The Assam government has even offered to provide a subsidy in order to make direct flights to ASEAN countries viable for operators.

The meeting discussed Air Asia's plan of making Guwahati its principal hub for the company's Southeast Asia operations. Abrol submitted a proposal to Chief Minister Sonowal for Air Asia's expansion plan in Guwahati, including connecting the city with frequent direct flights to domestic destinations such as Chennai, Hyderabad, Vizag and Bagdogra.


Sonowal said that the state government is working very seriously to make Guwahati the nerve centre of India's Act East Policy and, as part of this effort, wants to start direct flights with ASEAN and BBN countries.

He also informed the Air Asia CEO that his government, in association with the Ministry of External Affairs, is in constant touch with ASEAN countries to persuade them to set up consulates in Guwahati.

Work on a new terminal building of Guwahati International Airport is in full swing, and the airport will very shortly be transformed into an integrated airport with state-of-the-art facilities for passengers, Sonowal said.

The chief minister assured the provision of government assistance to Air Asia and requested the airline to start international flight services before the Rongali Bihu festival (celebrated in April) this year.