KARACHI, APR 12: Malaysian budget airline AirAsia X has officially launched its operations in Pakistan in a major boost to Pakistan-Malaysia travel connectivity, with direct flights from Karachi to Kuala Lumpur scheduled to begin from May 30.
The announcement was made during a grand inaugural ceremony held at a local hotel in Karachi, attended by Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, Sindh Energy Minister Nasir Hussain Shah, and Malaysian Consul General Herman Hardinata Ahmed, among other dignitaries.
Speaking at the event, the governor welcomed the launch and described the new route as a step towards strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Malaysia. “This new connectivity will not only enhance people-to-people ties but also open doors for business and tourism between the two countries,” he said.
AirAsia X CEO Benjamin Ismail, while addressing the audience, announced that the airline will operate four round-trip flights every week — on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays — between Karachi and Kuala Lumpur. He also revealed that the initial one-way ticket price has been set at Rs55,800, and that a 20% discount is being offered on early bookings.
The airline has set a target of catering to over 100,000 passengers annually through its Pakistan operations, aiming to provide affordable and quality travel options for both business and leisure travellers.
Earlier in the day, Malaysian Consul General Herman Hardinata Ahmed and his delegation also visited Governor House Karachi and held a meeting with Governor Tessori, where matters of mutual interest and enhancing cooperation between the two nations were discussed.