AirAsia X, Malaysia’s budget long-haul airline, officially touched down in Pakistan with its inaugural flight landing at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport on Friday night. The airline’s first arrival was met with a festive welcome, marking a significant milestone in regional air travel and strengthening aviation ties between Malaysia and Pakistan.
A Grand Welcome in Karachi
Flight D-7108 from Kuala Lumpur landed in Karachi carrying 298 passengers. The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) gave the aircraft a traditional water cannon salute, a ceremonial gesture typically reserved for inaugural flights and aviation milestones. The ambiance at the airport was electric as passengers were warmly greeted by airport officials and representatives of AirAsia X.
The return flight, D-7109, departed from Karachi carrying 315 passengers to Kuala Lumpur, further underscoring the strong interest in travel between the two nations.
Dignitaries and Celebrations
The historic flight was honored by the presence of the Malaysian Consul General in Karachi, who welcomed passengers upon arrival and also bid farewell to those departing for Malaysia. The event was also attended by Ali Khawaja Ali Majeed, CEO of Travel Channel Business (TCB)—AirAsia X’s General Sales Agent (GSA) in Pakistan.
In a celebratory gesture, a cake-cutting ceremony took place in the departure lounge. Airline officials from Malaysia, flight crew, and executives from TCB participated in the event, symbolizing the beginning of what is expected to be a long and fruitful partnership between AirAsia X and Pakistan’s aviation industry.
AirAsia X’s Strategic Entry into Pakistan
Speaking to Geo News, Ali Majeed expressed his optimism and enthusiasm for the collaboration. “AirAsia X is a major player in the Malaysian aviation sector, and its arrival in Pakistan opens up tremendous opportunities for travelers and businesses alike,” he said.
He confirmed that the airline has launched with four weekly flights to Karachi in the initial phase. However, the expansion plan doesn’t stop there—routes to Lahore and Islamabad are also in the pipeline, indicating AirAsia X’s broader commitment to connecting Malaysia with major Pakistani cities.
A Boost for the Aviation Industry
This partnership comes at a time when Pakistan’s aviation sector is looking to attract more international carriers and revive tourism and trade. AirAsia X’s entry offers affordable long-haul travel options and is expected to serve not only tourists but also students, expatriates, and business professionals commuting between the two nations.
Ali Majeed emphasized that this agreement between Pakistan and one of Malaysia’s most prominent airlines is a welcome development for the country’s aviation landscape, adding much-needed connectivity at a budget-friendly cost.
Decorated Counters and Warm Hospitality
In honor of the inaugural flight, the boarding counters at Jinnah International Airport’s departure area were tastefully decorated, creating a festive atmosphere. Guests arriving to board the flight were greeted with warm hospitality, reflecting the airline’s commitment to customer experience from day one.
The Bigger Picture
AirAsia X is known for operating long-haul, low-cost flights across the Asia-Pacific region. Its entry into Pakistan not only broadens options for Pakistani travelers but also positions Karachi as a growing hub for international airlines seeking to tap into South Asia’s emerging travel market.
This move is particularly beneficial for the Pakistani diaspora in Malaysia and surrounding regions, providing a cost-effective and direct travel route for visiting family and friends or exploring new business and tourism opportunities.
With four weekly flights now operational and plans to expand to Lahore and Islamabad, AirAsia X is gearing up for a strong presence in Pakistan. The airline’s success will likely encourage other international carriers to explore similar partnerships, contributing to a more competitive and diverse aviation market in the country.
As the aviation sector continues to recover and evolve, AirAsia X’s launch in Pakistan represents more than just a new route—it’s a symbol of renewed connectivity, economic collaboration, and cultural exchange between Malaysia and Pakistan.
