Sepang: AirAsia Malaysia is waiting for the demand for international flights to increase after the border opened, especially in the ASEAN region.

AirAsia chief executive officer Riad Asmat said the demand would be determined by how a country adapts to the current Covid-19 situation, as well as the impact of the opening of their borders.

“We also have to look at the demand, when there is a demand, we will try to take the opportunity but it really depends on how a country adapts to the current situation and their acceptance of international arrivals, this will determine the demand.

“I applaud the government’s current move. Travel without quarantine is the main attraction at the moment,” he told a press conference to announce the reinstatement of the airline’s six routes to India yesterday.

With the border reopened, AirAsia announced that it will fly again to Bengaluru, Kolkata, Kochi, Hyderabad, Chennai and Tiruchirappalli with an expected 71 weekly flights by the end of the year, which the airline hopes to achieve pre-Covid capacity of more than 140 services go back weekly to India.

“With the reopening of Malaysia’s international borders and quarantine-free travel, we would like to take this opportunity to welcome international tourists as this will significantly stimulate the country’s tourism sector and economy, as was noted before the pandemic.

“I think in terms of contribution, India will contribute significant double -digit growth to our market. Asia is expected to be a major contributor,” he said.

Riad revealed the airline is also working on plans to resume routes to Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand after their borders are reopened.

“Indonesia is being opened and hopefully by next year, the reopening of the border will take place. In terms of planning, everything is in place and I am comfortable with what we are doing,” he said.