Jakarta-Kota Bharu Flight To Boost Kelantan Tourism, Economy

KOTA BHARU, June 16 (Bernama) -- AirAsia’s new route connecting Jakarta and Kota Bharu welcomed 118 tourists on its inaugural flight today, a move expected to boost Kelantan's tourism and economic sectors.

Kelantan Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee chairman Datuk Kamaruddin Md Nor said the arrival reflects the significant potential of the route in increasing the number of tourists to the state.

He said the first morning flight from Kota Bharu to Jakarta also received an encouraging response, with 184 passengers recorded.

“This is an excellent start resulting from the collaboration with AirAsia in strengthening ties between Malaysia and Indonesia, specifically through Kota Bharu as a major gateway to Kelantan,” he told reporters after welcoming the inaugural flight at the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (LTSIP) here today.

He said the route has the potential to enhance the tourism sector and strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries in the areas of economy, trade, and culture.

Kamaruddin said the state government is optimistic the new route will continue to receive a positive response. AirAsia data shows bookings for the next two weeks have reached about 70 per cent capacity.

He added that the Kota Bharu-Jakarta route, which operates four times weekly, offers promotional return fares starting at RM400. The state government also aims to turn Kelantan into a regional aviation hub by opening more direct routes to major ASEAN destinations.

-- BERNAMA