Expansion of International Flight Routes Positions Amritsar as a Key Aviation Hub in Northern India

The Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar is poised for expansion in the upcoming winter season, with several major airlines increasing their international services. Airlines such as Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, Scoot, and Thai Lion Air are set to operate more flights, significantly improving connectivity to Southeast Asia and Australia. These changes include new routes, increased weekly flights, and a capacity boost to accommodate travel demand from northern India and Punjab. Between November 2025 and March 2026, the airport will host about 40 international flights weekly, offering nearly 9,300 seats, up from existing schedules. This growth provides passengers with quicker, more direct options, reducing the dependence on larger airports like Delhi for international travel. Malaysia Airlines will sustain 14 weekly flights to Kuala Lumpur and debut new routes to Brisbane, expanding its Australian network through partnerships with Qantas. AirAsia is doubling its Kuala Lumpur–Amritsar flights from six to eight weekly, while Scoot will operate 10 Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights to Singapore, enabling onward connections to destinations worldwide. Thai Lion Air is also increasing its Bangkok services from six to eight weekly flights, facilitating swift access to Thailand and Southeast Asia. The expansion caters to rising international travel demand, especially among the Punjabi diaspora. It aims to enhance tourism, business opportunities, and cultural exchange, transforming Amritsar into a significant regional aviation hub. These developments underscore the confidence airlines have in northern India's travel growth potential, positioning the city as an advantageous gateway for travelers in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.