Fernandes, whose father was of Goa origin, announced this at a time when AirAsia India is celebrating its second anniversary.

AirAsia India is a joint venture between AirAsia and Tatas, each holding 49 per cent stake. The remaining shares are with the carrier’s two directors — S Ramadorai and R Venkataramanan.

“I am also delighted to share that I have been granted the OIC status. India has always been close to my heart as my father was from this country and Goa is my ancestral homeland,” Fernandes said in a statement today.

He also posted a picture of his OIC passport on his Twitter handle.

@Agency report.