Amritsar Airport’s Global Connectivity Surge Promises Tourism Growth

Published on October 30, 2025

Amritsar Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (SGRDJI) is about to witness a dramatic surge in international connectivity this winter. Four major Asian airlines—Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Scoot, and Thai Lion Air—will increase their flight operations for the Winter 2025–26 season. This expansion is expected to mark one of the most dynamic phases of global connectivity for the airport in recent years.

Expanded Flight Services

With these changes, the airport will see 40 weekly flights, up from 36. This means nearly 9,300 additional seats per week, helping Amritsar grow as a vital hub for Southeast Asia and beyond. The expanded routes will provide greater connectivity for travelers from northern India to some of the most sought-after international destinations.

The newly expanded flights will provide seamless access to key hubs like Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Bangkok, facilitating faster travel to a wide range of countries and regions. The rise in flight frequencies is expected to enhance travel options, offering more flexibility and convenience to travelers.

Airlines Ramp Up Services

• Malaysia Airlines: Malaysia Airlines will continue its 14 weekly flights connecting Amritsar to Kuala Lumpur. In addition, the airline has expanded its network to Australia, with new routes to Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, and Auckland, starting November 25. Through its partnership with Qantas, passengers will be able to reach every major Australian city with ease.
• AirAsia: The low-cost giant AirAsia will increase its flights between Kuala Lumpur and Amritsar from six to eight weekly. This expansion will provide travelers with greater flexibility, connecting them to more destinations across Asia and Australia. AirAsia X, the airline’s long-haul partner, extends this network, offering travel to Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth.
• Scoot: The low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines will operate 10 weekly flights on the Singapore-Amritsar route, using Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft. Thanks to its interline agreements with Singapore Airlines, Amritsar travelers can easily access destinations across Australia, New Zealand, and North America, such as Auckland, Brisbane, Vancouver, and Calgary.
• Thai Lion Air: The airline will continue providing vital connections between Amritsar and Bangkok, helping passengers travel to various Southeast Asian destinations.

The Boost for Tourism

This major expansion in services is set to benefit tourism and enhance travel between Amritsar and several international markets. With direct flights to Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, travelers from northern India can now access these regions faster and more cost-effectively. The reduction in transits through Delhi means fewer delays and quicker connections to international destinations.

Sameep Singh Gumtala, the global convener of the FlyAmritsar Initiative, emphasized the importance of these enhanced connections. He stated that the increase in services from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Bangkok highlights Amritsar’s growing importance as a travel gateway. He noted that passengers from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Haryana will benefit from these direct flight options.

This expansion is also expected to benefit the tourism industry significantly. Amritsar’s rich cultural and religious heritage, including the Golden Temple, continues to attract visitors from around the world. The increased flight options will make it easier for international tourists to visit, driving further tourism to the region. Additionally, improved connectivity will foster business exchanges, cultural ties, and educational collaboration between India and these global markets.

Strategic Significance for Travel

The introduction of more direct flight options means more opportunities for Amritsar’s local population to travel internationally. This will also strengthen the city’s tourism economy by offering easier access for foreign tourists interested in exploring its cultural attractions.

Furthermore, travelers can now bypass the hassle of long transit times via Delhi, benefiting from direct connections to major international airports. Amritsar’s local economy stands to gain from the increased flow of tourists and the resulting boost in hotel stays, local transportation, and other travel services.

The Road Ahead for Amritsar’s Growing Connectivity

As these new routes continue to take shape, Amritsar’s tourism and travel landscape is set to flourish. With enhanced connections to Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, the city is now better positioned to attract international travelers. The growth in tourism and business exchanges will further elevate Amritsar’s status as an emerging international gateway.

The collaboration between global airlines and Amritsar’s expanding airport operations is a positive step toward improving connectivity and offering more travel options to the people of northern India. The ripple effect on tourism will be felt for years to come, benefitting both travelers and local communities alike.

As Amritsar prepares to welcome more international visitors, the city’s bustling airport and the expanded airline network will play a pivotal role in driving forward the growth of travel and tourism in this historic region.