The Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International (SGRDJI) Airport in Amritsar is set to boost connections with the Punjabi communities in Australia and New Zealand, as prominent airlines introduce direct flight services. Batik Air, Air Asia X, Malaysia Airlines from Malaysia, and Scoot from Singapore have launched direct flights connecting Amritsar with their hubs in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
Sameep Singh Gumtala, convener of the FlyAmritsar Initiative, announced that Malaysia Airlines will initiate two weekly direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Amritsar, starting November 8. These flights will establish direct links between Punjab and major cities across Australia and New Zealand, including Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Brisbane, Auckland, and more. With seamless connectivity, travelers from Punjab can now reach these destinations within 15 to 17 hours, making travel more convenient and accessible.
Additionally, Singapore’s Scoot has adjusted its winter season flight schedule from November to March. Flights will arrive at Amritsar Airport at 9:05 a.m. and depart for Singapore at 10:30 a.m. Scoot operates Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, offering 3,430 seats per week. Gumtala encouraged the Punjabi community to choose these direct flights to Amritsar over Delhi, emphasizing the importance of supporting these services. Introducing these direct flight options marks a significant step in strengthening cultural and familial ties between the Punjabi diaspora in Australia, New Zealand, and their homeland, fostering closer connections during the festive season.