Chennai: Royal Brunei Airlines, the national carrier of Brunei, has launched direct flights between Bandar Seri Begawan and Chennai to strengthen ties between the two nations, a top official announced on Wednesday (Nov 6).

An Airbus A320NEO, carrying passengers from Brunei, was welcomed with a traditional water cannon salute upon its arrival in Chennai on Tuesday at 10:50 p.m. local time, according to Royal Brunei Airlines Chief Executive Officer, Captain Sabirin bin Hj Abdul Hamid.

The launch of this air connectivity also marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, he noted.

"India is a major market for aviation. The economy here is booming, and the aviation industry is also growing rapidly. There is a strong cultural connection between Chennai and Brunei," Hamid told reporters.

India ranks among the top 10 countries for tourist arrivals to Brunei, with around 4,000 Indians visiting the Southeast Asian country from January to September 2024. Approximately 14,000 Indians are employed across various companies in Brunei, he added.

-B