Bhubaneswar, April 26: AirAsia gave the city its first international flight, connecting the state capital to Kuala Lumpur. The Malaysia-based budget airline will operate its flight from here four days a week - on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

While the flight with 180 seating capacity was scheduled to land at the Biju Patnaik International Airport at 11.25pm, the return journey was scheduled for 11.55pm.

State tourism and culture minister Ashok Panda was present at the airport for the inaugural event.

"This is a proud moment for the state and the flight service will be a perfect gateway to travel destinations, such as China, Japan and other South-East Asian destinations. Besides tourists coming to Odisha will no longer have to come via Calcutta. This will save their valuable time and the state government is hopeful of attracting tourists from Asian countries," said Panda.

Several passengers reached the airport much before the scheduled time with the state government roping in traditional dance troupes and band to welcome them.

As the passengers arrived at the airport to take the first flight to Kuala Lumpur, airlines staff warmly welcomed them with flower petals and tilak.

"The entire atmosphere was ecstatic and it will be a wonderful experience to be a part of first international flight from the state. We are hopeful that the flight service will be successful and it will attract other foreign airlines to start operations here," said Lali Pattnaik, a passenger on her way to Kuala Lumpur.

The government will also provide subsidy to the airline in the form of viability gap funding. This funding is being given by the government to support projects that are economically justified, but not financially viable. Sources said the state government would give a subsidy of around Rs 1.8 lakh for each trip to the airline if it transports less number of passengers than mentioned in the agreement.

The government has also reduced the value added tax on aviation turbine fuel to zero per cent for direct international flights from the state.

The flight operation assumes significance with the airport occupying third position among 18 non-metro international airports in terms of growth in international passengers in the last fiscal.

"The flight service to the Malaysian capital will definitely attract foreign tourists to the state which will also give a recognition to the city airport. We are also planning to rope in other airlines to start flight services to other international destinations," said a government official.

The international flight, a much-awaited event, is certain to boost the state's tourism potential and would also lend a helping hand to industries. Sources said the move will give boost to tourism, especially the Buddhist circuit.