KUALA LUMPUR: The decision to allow airlines from Asean countries to operate flights with stopover rights in other member nations will enhance air travel and stimulate the region's tourism sector, said Tan Sri Tony Fernandes.
The AirAsia co-founder added that this move could yield significant benefits for regional aviation.
"With airlines able to pick up passengers, it will boost air travel, increase connectivity and will reinvigorate regional aviation.
"This is great. This is one of my dreams and is great news for the people of Asean.
"It will make Asean smaller (more connected). Congratulations to the Asean ministers. Great news," he told the New Straits Times.
Earlier, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that starting next year, airlines from Asean countries will be permitted to operate flights with stopover rights in other member nations.
This initiative follows the signing of Protocol Five on Own Stopover Rights, which allows flights to make stopovers between points within any Asean member state.
The agreement was reached during the 30th Asean Transport Ministers Meeting and the 58th Senior Transport Officials Meeting.
Loke said the new rights would enable seamless travel across the region.