Air Asia — a budget airline based in Malaysia — started its scheduled flights on the Kathmandu–Kuala Lumpur route from Tuesday. With the introduction of this flight, Air Asia has become alternative for the national flag carrier—Nepal Airlines which also operates on the same route. Malaysia is one of the most popular destinations for migrant Nepali workers as around 300,000 Nepali are currently working in Malaysia.

“Air Asia will for now fly two flights a week,” Air Asia’s flight operation director Captain Azhanudin said. He also said added that the airline company will gradually increase the number of flights depending on passenger flow.

Air Asia is offering tickets starting at NRs 11,000 (taxes extra) for one way trip and a round trip will cost NRs 20,000, excluding tax, according to the airlines company.