Recently, I had a chance to travel to the Andaman Islands for scuba diving and birding, among other activities. This opportunity mainly came about due to AirAsia’s recent launch of direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Port Blair. This is my AirAsia flight trip report for flight AK 55/54 between Kuala Lumpur and Port Blair.
AirAsia Flight Trip Report – Kuala Lumpur to Port Blair (return)
Flights between KL and Port Blair
First, here is a bit of background on this route. As the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Port Blair is the main access point for travellers. Port Blair is served by Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ), located in the city’s heart. Despite the ‘international’ designation, all flights to IXZ have previously been domestic flights originating from cities in mainland India, such as Chennai and Delhi—until now.
Enter AirAsia. Seeing potential in this up-and-coming destination, AirAsia Malaysia (AK) recently launched thrice-weekly flights between Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) and IXZ. In doing so, AK became the first airline to operate an international route into IXZ. This route opens up the Andamans for travellers from Malaysia and vice-versa. This service also allows anyone from within AirAsia’s vast regional network to travel easily to the Andamans via KUL.
AirAsia Flight Trip Report
Outbound: KUL – IXZ flight AK 55
Departure KUL Terminal 2: 28/11/24; 1040 (departed on time)
Arrival IXZ: 1020 (arrived on time)
Departure gate: P19
Aircraft: Airbus A320-214 registration 9M-AFD (‘Bo Rocks’ special livery)
Seat: 5F (HotSeat – window)
Pre-flight Preamble
I arrived early at KUL Terminal 2, as I like to complete the pre-flight formalities before it gets hectic. Since this was an international flight to India, I had to undergo document verification at the counter before being allowed to drop the bags. Here, the AirAsia agent on duty checked my visa. This process was thankfully quick, and before long, my travelling companion and I were ready to pass security and head to our gate.
A quick check on the FIDS revealed our departure gate would be P19, possibly the furthest one! One major complaint about KLIA Terminal 2 is the long walk to the gates, even for travellers. And this is undoubtedly an issue for people with reduced mobility. Nevertheless, the airport authority does provide free on-demand buggy transport service.

However, the walk to the international pier is great for aviation enthusiasts, as it offers great views of the apron and aircraft. This includes viewing planes taxiing below as they pass underneath the ‘sky bridge’.

Terminal 2 Facilities
The good thing about KLIA Terminal 2 Airside is there are plenty of toilets and, for Muslim travellers, prayer rooms. Ample seating is available at the main foyer, and this is also where most of the eateries and shopping outlets are located.

Before entering Pier P, there is another security checkpoint where the departure gates are located. This is the main security checkpoint, where LAGs are strictly enforced. Beyond the checkpoint are the boarding areas, with more seats and a couple more eateries.
Departure
For this flight, we were able to secure the hot seats, so we were able to board first. This was the first time I opted for HotSeats. The queue to board was orderly, and the entire process was efficient. Upon boarding, I was greeted by two flight attendants, who pointed the way to my seat.


Seat 5F was the last row of hot seats at the front and provided decent legroom. Just as importantly, it also had a perfectly placed window right in the middle. Window seats are essential to me, as my main source of in-flight entertainment is simply looking out the window!


In-flight experience
Of course, no AirAsia flight trip report would be complete without detailing the in-flight experience. I’ve flown AK many times, domestically and internationally. Their onboard service has always been professional and consistent. And it was the same for this flight. The cabin crew were professional and friendly without overdoing it. In-flight services were done efficiently. Overall, there is nothing to complain about for the outbound or return flights.
I pre-booked the Wonton Noodles for my in-flight meal, which I forgot to photograph (I suppose I was hungry). While the meal was hot and fresh, It wasn’t to my taste. Other meal options on AirAsia flights, such as their Pak Nasser Nasi Lemak, are better. There was also a limited selection of buy-on-board food and merchandise.
The flight was otherwise uneventful. There was hardly any turbulence, and the views of the Andaman Sea out below were mesmerising. One tiny nitpick, though. The window shade was missing from my window. While this didn’t bother me, passengers who would like to sleep will find this problematic, especially considering the extra fees for the HotSeat.


Arrival
Before long, the Andaman Islands were visible outside, like green oases upon the endless blue. The flightpath approached IXZ from the southeast before turning right to line up with runway 04. The final approach was bumpy, as it was a windy day at Port Blair. We landed just after 10:20 am, which was weird, as we departed KUL at 10:40 am. Time travel! (Port Blair is 2.5 hours behind Malaysia time)


IXZ is also a military airport, so no photos of the airside were possible (photography is prohibited). An arrival card was given to us upon disembarkation. The immigration process took a while, as the officers wanted as much detail of our visit as possible. Nevertheless, the officers were friendly and professional throughout. Before long, we passed immigration and were ready to explore the Andamans. In total, we spent 8 days at Port Blair and Havelock Island.
Return: IXZ – KUL flight AK 54
Departure IXZ: 5/12/24; 1055 (departed on time)
Arrival KUL: 1530 (arrived 30 minutes ahead of schedule)
Aircraft: Airbus A320-251N registration 9M-RAB (A320 neo)
Seat: 5F (HotSeat – window)
IXZ Airport
Since our hotel was right next to the airport, we took our time and arrived at the airport at 9 am. Only passengers with a valid boarding pass were allowed inside. The Veer Savarkar International Airport terminal was relatively new, and the interior was spacious. Food options on the landside were limited to one cafe; however, there were more shops on the airside.
The check-in process was quick; however, the security checkpoint was more thorough than expected. Our check-in luggage was checked for extension cables, electronic items, etc. Additionally, our hand luggage was emptied, as all cameras, electronic, and optical equipment had to be put in separate trays. According to the airport staff, this extra scrutiny was due to IXZ being a shared military and civilian airport. Indeed, the airport security staff consisted of officers from the Indian military services.
Flight experience
For the most part, my experience on the return leg was identical to the outbound one. The only notable change was the meal option. This time, I opted for Pak Nasser’s Nasi Lemak, which is better than the Wonton Noodles.



Some points to note from my AirAsia flight trip report
- The HotSeats have better legroom than standard seats. You’ll also be allowed to board and exit the aircraft first. In my opinion, it’s well worth the extra fees.
- HotSeat row 5 on the A320/A320neo have excellent window views (5A and 5F)
- Pak Nasser’s Nasi Lemak is a good meal option. For passengers wanting to try something else, I can recommend the Roast Chicken, as I’ve had it on other flights.
- The security checkpoint at IXZ is more thorough than at other airports, so consider this when you pack.
- For travellers to Port Blair, make sure your visa is valid. You can show a printed or digital copy at the departing and arriving airports.

Conclusion
My flight on AirAsia from KUL to IXZ return was uneventful but enjoyable. The Hot Seats were well worth the extra fees, especially seat 5F (for window seat lovers). I’m looking forward to travelling on AirAsia again shortly, perhaps even visiting the Andamans again. Thank you for reading my AirAsia flight trip report from Kuala Lumpur to Port Blair.