SRINAGAR: Low cost airline carrier AirAsia started its operations here from today with the launch of its morning and evening flights daily between Delhi and Srinagar.
The inaugural flight from New Delhi was received by the Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti at the Srinagar International Airport at 10 am. Another flight to New Delhi was also seen off by the Chief Minister soon after.
The airline is also planning to connect Srinagar to many other destinations in the country in coming days.
The Chief Minister welcomed the airline carrier hoping it would augur well for the coming tourist season in the State and also facilitate local people with more connectivity to other cities in the country.
The Chief Minister, it may be mentioned here, has been pressing for operation of more morning and evening flights from and to Srinagar to facilitate more air traffic and consequently promote tourism. She has also been insisting on involvement of local youth in any of the project being started in the State and today on her insistence the airline has decided to recruit all its cabin crew and ground staff locally.
Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Baseer Ahmad Khan; Secretary, Tourism, Farooq Ahmad Shah Inspector General of Police, Kashmir zone, SJM Gillani; Director, Tourism, Kashmir, Mehmood Ahmad Shah; MD & CEO, Air Asia, Amar Abrol; Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, Mir Altaf Ahmad; SSP, Budgam, Abdul Waheed Shah, other senior officers and representatives of Air Asia were present on the occasion.