AirAsia Offers Free Flights for Nepal to NGOs to Aid Relief

29th Apr 2015

In an effort to assist the Nepal relief efforts following a catastrophic earthquake that shook this Himalayan nation last Saturday, AirAsia has decided to offer flights free of charge to NGOs.

The carrier issued a statement today in which AirAsia Group Chief Executive Officer Datuk Kamarudin Meranun said:

Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the earthquake in Nepal and we pledge to do what we can to help alleviate grief and distress experienced by the victims, and pray for their safety and well-being.

Non-government organizations and humanitarian agencies who wish to participate in the relief efforts in Nepal can send their flight requests to AirAsia Foundation at [email protected].

AirAsia Already Experience with Relief Efforts

The situation in Nepal isn’t the first one of its kind that the Malaysian carrier responded to in a similar way.

In November 2008, the airline operated several rescue flight s between Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. The purpose of these flights was to help those who were stuck there when the Bangkok Airport closed.

In October 2009, AirAsia mounted a rescue and relief operation in Jakarta and Padang in Indonesia, in an effort to help those affected by an earthquake that hit Sumatra with a force of 7.6 Richter.

The carrier has also been instrumental in a rescue operation in Bali, Indonesia, following a terrorist attack. AirAsia gave away 12,000 seats on their planes then.

Several Carriers Already Resuming Nepal Scheduled Flights

Following the earthquake, most airlines have suspended their scheduled flights to Nepal. Now that the fear of possible aftershocks is no longer present, most of them are resuming their previously scheduled flight plans.

Yesterday, Air India, SpiceJet and IndiGo, all from India, have continued their flights into the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu. The three carriers are also delivering relief material for the country and will send in more planes to bring back people stranded there.

According to the latest reports, over 5,000 people died in the earthquake and there is fear the death toll could reach even 10,000 as many are still unaccounted for.