Asian air route updates: new flights from Vietjet, AirAsia and more…

Vietjet creates new connection to Angkor

Where? Hanoi (Vietnam) to Siem Reap (Cambodia)
When? Daily, effective immediately
Who? Vietjet
Why? Serving increasing cross-border traffic between ASEAN neighbours and providing a new link to the temples of Angkor
Anything else? Vietjet is set to expand rapidly in the coming years; it has outstanding orders for almost 200 new aircraft

Himalaya Airlines adds new Gulf route

Where? Kathmandu (Nepal) to Dubai Al Maktoum (UAE)
When? Daily, effective 28 April 2017
Who? Himalaya Airlines
Why? Nepal’s new Chinese-backed airline continues to expand international operations, with the new route suitable for large number of overseas Nepalese workers
Anything else? Dubai will become the airline’s second destination in the Middle East, after Doha

AirAsia connects Borneo cities

Where? Kuching (Malaysia) to Pontianak (Indonesia)
When? Daily, effective 5 June 2017
Who? AirAsia
Why? Providing a new cross-border connection on the island of Borneo, enabling improved trade and tourism ties
Anything else? The capital of Indonesia’s West Kalimantan province, Pontianak lies directly on the Equator and even features an Equator monument

Wizz Air heads east to Kazakhstan

Where? Budapest (Hungary) to Astana (Kazakhstan)
When? Twice a week, effective 8 June 2017
Who? Wizz Air
Why? Part of the LCC’s expansion plans; between April and December 2017, Wizz will launch 12 new routes from the Hungarian capital
Anything else? Astana, which means “capital city” in Kazakh, was renamed in 1998 after it was made the country’s capital. It was previous called Akmola