Tourism Malaysia and IndiGo Airline held a meeting earlier today (Dec 10, 2024) at Putrajaya to coordinate three (3) inaugural flights from India to Malaysia and also to outline the collaborative strategies on promotional activities to create greater visibility and route sustainability.
This is to facilitate IndiGo Airlines announcement of three inaugural flights, namely Chennai to Penang and Bangalore to Kuala Lumpur on December 21, 2024, and Bangalore to Langkawi on Dec 16, 2024.
The objective of the meeting is to discuss the preparatory works for the incoming inaugural flights and also to discuss the marketing and promotional plans.
The meeting was chaired by Dato Yeoh Soon Hin, Deputy chairman of Tourism Malaysia along with Vinaj Malhotra, Head of Global Sales Indigo and Ms Sheetal Maluja Gilani, Assistant Director, International Sales Indigo.
Also present of Datuk Manoharan Periasamy (Director-General of Tourism Malaysia), Samuel Lee Thai Hung (Deputy Director-General of Tourism Malaysia), Siti Sarah (Head of Sales & Marketing) from Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), Iza (Deputy Head of Tourism Division) from Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), and Kamaruzzaman (Senior Manager of Airport Operations & Commercial) from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB).
“As we prepare for the inaugural flights of Indigo Airlines from India to Malaysia, Tourism Malaysia is optimistic about the opportunities these new routes bring in strengthening air connectivity and fostering tourism growth between Malaysia and India.
“The addition of these new Indigo Airlines routes further enhances connectivity between our countries. With these new flights provided by IndiGo, there will be a total of 246 weekly flights from India to Malaysia, providing a remarkable seat capacity of 45,741 seats weekly. Specifically, from Southern India to Malaysia, we will have a total of 151 weekly flights and a capacity of 26,686 seats, serviced by Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Batik Air, and now Indigo Airlines.
“Southern India continues to be a major contributor to our tourist arrivals from India, accounting for a significant share of the 914,000 Indian visitors recorded as of October 2024—an impressive 70.9% increase compared to the same period last year. Key segments such as MICE groups and Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) have been instrumental in driving this growth. Based on this momentum, we are confident of achieving the target set by the Minister of Tourism of 1 million Indian arrivals by the end of 2024. In fact, we may achieve more than 1 million.
“The success of Malaysia’s visa-free policy for Indian travellers has also played a pivotal role. With the positive outcomes seen this year, we hope that the Malaysian government will extend this visa-free policy for Indian tourists, at least, until 2026, aligning with Tourism Malaysia’s strategic efforts for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Combined with our marketing campaigns, this policy extension is expected to further attract Indian travellers to our shores”, said Yeoh.
He also shared that Kuala Lumpur remains a primary destination, Tourism Malaysia is committed to promoting other destinations, for instance, the unique offerings of Penang and Langkawi, both of which cater to travellers seeking beaches, islands, and a rich variety of tourism products. These destinations stand out as must-visit locations for Indian tourists exploring beyond the capital city.
“To further support and ensure the sustainability of these new routes, Tourism Malaysia is proud to offer the Charter and Scheduled Flight Grant (GSPC). This initiative is designed to encourage and assist airlines like Indigo in undertaking promotional activities and maintaining consistent traffic on these routes. By leveraging this support, we aim to strengthen Indigo’s presence and ensure the long-term success of these connections.
“In order for the benefit of the nation, I want to emphasize that the connectivity between India and Malaysia brought by Indigo Airlines is a combined effort by all related parties, either by the Federal or respective state, alongside MAHB and the airline. I am also grateful to see the final fruition of the Chennai to Penang direct connectivity as I have started the negotiation with IndiGo when I served as the State Exco for tourism for Penang.
“To ensure the success of any airline connectivity, cross departmental collaboration is highly needed. The promotional strategy by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture (MOTAC) and infrastructure development by the Ministry of Transport are the main contributing factors to allure more airlines to fly to Malaysia.
“Tourism Malaysia is expecting the collaboration from the respective states in organizing a memorable inaugural ceremony and look forward the support given by both the states to ensure the success of occasions.We are also anticipating the incentive offered by the state level and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) in supporting the route sustainability and promotional activities.
“On behalf of Tourism Malaysia, I want to extend my appreciation for the dedication and continued support from all relevant stakeholders, and together let all relevant stakeholders make these inaugural launches a resounding success, strengthening Malaysia’s position as a preferred travel destination for Indian travellers and solidifying the sustainability of these new routes”, said Yeoh in the press statement.