Air Asia, Batik Air have shown interest to fly to Madurai International Airport: AAI officials

Air Asia and Batik Air express interest in flying to Madurai International Airport, boosting international connectivity and trade.

Two international airliners, Air Asia and Batik Air, have shown interest in flying to Madurai International Airport, M. Suresh, Member (Air Navigation Services), Airports Authority of India, said on Saturday.

Talking to The Hindu here, Mr. Suresh said the airport was already operating international flight services. “Now that it has got international airport status, it is on the global map and recognised as an international terminal. More international carriers will show interest to fly to Madurai.”

AAI’s Executive Director (Operations) S.S. Raju said that Air Asia and Batik Air were interested in operating flights to Kuala Lumpur. However, Madurai should be included in the bilateral air services agreement. “Both the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of External Affairs should take it up with the destination country and sign an agreement.”

Mr. Suresh said Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu was showing keen interest in bringing international flights to Madurai. The international status would also give big impetus for export and import through the airport.