AirAsia inks pact with Odisha to run direct flights to Kuala Lumpur

Carrier seeks to ply 3-4 flights a week, state is offering subsidy in form of viability gap funding

Malaysia-based low-cost carrier AirAsia on Friday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Odisha government for running direct international flights from Bhubaneswar to Kuala Lumpur.

The agreement was signed between Nitin Bhanudas Jawale, Director of tourism department in the state and AirAsia Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Aireen Omar.

"AirAsia's engagement is very important for Odisha. This pact marks the culmination of our efforts and very soon, we will be starting international flights. We have asked for permission to ply two to three flights per week. The state government is offering subsidy in the form of Viability Gap Funding (VGF)”,