Category: Travel News

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Malaysia Airlines Resumes Direct Kuala Lumpur – Brisbane Flights

Malaysia Airlines has resumed direct flights between Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) and Brisbane Airport (BNE), reinstating a key long-haul connection to meet growing travel demand between Malaysia and Australia.

Inaugural flight and strong demand

The inaugural service, flight MH135, departed Kuala Lumpur on 29 November 2025. Passengers were welcomed with Malaysian Hospitality and received complimentary Malaysia Airlines goodie bags. The flight was operated using the airline’s Manchester United-themed aircraft livery, adding a special touch to the relaunch.

The route reopened to strong demand, recording an 86% load factor on the outbound flight to Brisbane and an impressive 99% load factor on the return service to Kuala Lumpur.

Strengthening connectivity to Australia

With the resumption of Brisbane services, Malaysia Airlines now operates direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to five Australian cities, complementing increased frequencies to Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide.

The reinstated Kuala Lumpur – Brisbane route enhances travel options for both leisure and business travellers while supporting tourism and trade flows between Malaysia and Queensland.

A330neo introduction and fleet modernisation

Malaysia Airlines has begun deploying its new A330neo aircraft on selected Australia routes, offering improved passenger comfort, enhanced fuel efficiency and modern cabin features. By the first quarter of 2026, the airline plans to operate the youngest widebody fleet into Australasia.

Flight schedule

Route Flight No Departure Time Days of Operation
KUL – BNE MH135 8:40 pm Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
BNE – KUL MH134 8:00 am —

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Batik Air Launches New Direct Flights Across East Malaysia

Batik Air Malaysia is expanding its domestic network in East Malaysia with the launch of two new direct routes from Kota Kinabalu, further strengthening regional connectivity ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).

New direct routes from Kota Kinabalu

Starting from 15 December 2025, Batik Air will introduce direct services between Kota Kinabalu and Kuching, as well as Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan. Both routes will operate seven times weekly, responding to growing demand for seamless travel within Sabah and Sarawak.

The new connections improve access on key intra-Borneo routes such as Kota Kinabalu – Kuching and Kota Kinabalu – Sandakan, supporting both leisure and business travel.

Strengthening Kota Kinabalu as a regional hub

The launch highlights the strategic role of Kota Kinabalu as a northern Borneo hub, enhancing links to Sarawak’s capital and to Sandakan, one of Sabah’s key gateways for eco-tourism and wildlife experiences.

Kuching continues to attract travellers with its cultural heritage, historic character and diverse culinary scene, while Sandakan remains a major draw for visitors exploring wildlife sanctuaries, conservation sites and surrounding islands.

Promotional fares under ‘Family Vacay Starts at Borneo’ campaign

To support the network expansion, Batik Air has extended its ‘Family Vacay Starts at Borneo’ campaign, offering all-in one-way fares from MYR 69 to selected cities across Sabah and Sarawak.

The promotion is available for booking until 30 November 2025, for travel up to 30 January 2026, making domestic travel within East Malaysia more accessible during the peak travel period.

Further network growth planned

Looking ahead, Batik Air will introduce direct flights between Kota Kinabalu and Singapore from 12 February 2026, strengthening Sabah’s international connectivity. The airline already operates a three-times weekly direct service between Kota Kinabalu and Seoul (Incheon), providing convenient access to Northeast Asia.

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Firefly Launches Daily Jet Service from Kuala Lumpur to Krabi

Firefly, a subsidiary of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), has launched a new direct daily jet service between Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) Terminal 1 and Krabi (KBV), expanding its international network across Southeast Asia.

Inaugural flight and strong demand

The inaugural flight FY3610 departed KUL on 17 November 2025 at 11:30am local time and arrived in Krabi at 12:00 noon. The launch was marked with a send-off ceremony at the boarding gate, where passengers received commemorative tokens.

The first service recorded a strong load factor of 96%, highlighting solid demand for the new route.

Seamless connectivity via KLIA

The new service strengthens regional connectivity by enabling seamless transfers for passengers arriving on Malaysia Airlines from major international hubs, offering direct onward travel to Krabi via KLIA.

The daily return flights enhance access to popular ASEAN destinations and support both leisure and business travel.

Onboard benefits and travel experience

Passengers flying with Firefly benefit from complimentary services including 10kg checked baggage, in-flight snacks and flexible flight change options. Travellers connecting from Malaysia Airlines also enjoy through-checked baggage and an included meal.

Additional options include pre-bookable meals featuring Asian-inspired hot dishes and locally made Malaysian treats, with more selections available for purchase onboard.

Expanding Firefly’s regional network

The launch of jet services from KLIA, alongside Firefly’s turboprop operations from Subang, reinforces MAG’s goal of providing a comprehensive and well-connected air travel ecosystem within Malaysia and across the region.

The Kuala Lumpur – Krabi route adds another leisure-focused destination to Firefly’s growing international portfolio.

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Malaysia Airports Records 12.8 Million Passengers in October 2025

Passenger traffic across the Malaysia Airports Group continued to grow in October 2025, with total passenger movements reaching 12.8 million across its Malaysian airport network and Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (ISG).

Passenger growth across Malaysia and Türkiye

Of the total passenger volume, 8.8 million passengers, or 69%, were handled by airports in Malaysia. This included 4.6 million international and 4.2 million domestic passengers. ISG accounted for the remaining 4.0 million passengers during the month.

Year-to-date passenger movements reached 125.7 million, representing an 11.8% increase compared to the same period last year, when 112.5 million passengers were recorded.

KLIA traffic rises with service upgrades

KL International Airport (KLIA), Malaysia’s main aviation gateway, recorded 5.4 million passenger movements in October, up from 5.3 million in September.

To support rising traffic levels, KLIA has introduced several passenger experience initiatives across both terminals. These include improved kerbside traffic flow, enhanced wayfinding, and refreshed passenger touchpoints. Measures such as the rollout of the Vehicle Access Management System (VAMS) at kerbside areas and the refurbishment of boarding lounges at Terminal 2 into open-concept spaces aim to deliver a smoother airport experience.

New routes strengthen international connectivity

International connectivity was further strengthened in October with Scoot Airlines launching two weekly flights between Singapore and Kota Bharu. The new service improves regional access and supports tourism development along Malaysia’s East Coast.

Preparing for year-end peak travel

As passenger movements continue to gain momentum heading into the year-end peak, Malaysia Airports is working closely with airline partners and key stakeholders to ensure schedule resilience, effective resource planning and smooth peak-season operations.

These efforts include aligning terminal operations, strengthening on-ground support and maintaining readiness across the network as travel demand increases ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.

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Batik Air Launches Direct Langkawi – Tashkent Flights

Batik Air Malaysia is expanding its international network with the launch of a new direct service between Langkawi International Airport (LGK) and Tashkent International Airport (TAS), strengthening connectivity between northern Malaysia and Central Asia.

New Central Asia route from Langkawi

The new Langkawi – Tashkent route will commence on 14 December 2025 and operate once weekly. The service responds to growing demand from the Uzbekistan market and reflects Langkawi’s rising popularity among Central Asian travellers seeking tropical destinations.

The route complements Batik Air’s existing Kuala Lumpur – Tashkent service, offering travellers greater flexibility and direct access to Langkawi without the need to transit via Kuala Lumpur.

Boosting tourism to Langkawi

Known as the jewel of Kedah, Langkawi continues to attract international visitors with its pristine beaches, lush rainforests and UNESCO Global Geopark status. The new connection supports Malaysia’s tourism ambitions ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), positioning Langkawi as a key international gateway for northern Malaysia.

The Langkawi – Tashkent service is expected to drive tourist arrivals while supporting business and cultural exchanges between Malaysia and Uzbekistan.

Strengthening Malaysia–Uzbekistan connectivity

Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital, is gaining increasing attention from global travellers for its blend of history, culture and modern urban development. By linking Tashkent directly with Langkawi, Batik Air is opening new opportunities for tourism growth, economic cooperation and cross-cultural exchange.

Network expansion ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026

The launch marks a significant milestone in Batik Air’s ongoing network expansion, reinforcing its commitment to connecting Malaysia with emerging international markets. The new route strengthens Langkawi’s role as an international tourism and trade gateway while enhancing travel convenience for passengers.

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Malaysia Airlines New Destinations

Malaysia Airlines Expands Bonus Side Trip Programme with New Destinations

Malaysia Airlines has expanded its Bonus Side Trip (BST) programme by adding Kuching as a new domestic stopover destination, giving international travellers more options to explore Malaysia while transiting through Kuala Lumpur.

Kuching joins Bonus Side Trip domestic network

The inclusion of Kuching marks the eighth domestic destination available under the BST programme. International passengers transiting through Kuala Lumpur can add a domestic side trip with zero base fare, paying only applicable taxes.

Other domestic destinations available through the programme include Kuala Terengganu, Langkawi, Penang, Johor Bahru, Kota Bharu, Alor Setar and Kuantan, allowing travellers to experience Malaysia’s cultural diversity, natural landscapes and regional heritage within a single itinerary.

Routes such as Kuala Lumpur – Kuching support the expansion, strengthening Sarawak’s role as a key stopover destination for international visitors.

New regional destinations via Firefly

In addition to domestic expansion, the BST programme has been extended to include three regional destinations operated by sister airline Firefly: Krabi, Siem Reap and Cebu.

These limited-time regional additions are available for sale and travel until 31 December 2025, enhancing regional connectivity while offering travellers greater flexibility and convenience across Southeast Asia.

Supporting tourism growth ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026

The programme expansion reflects Malaysia Aviation Group’s commitment to supporting Malaysia’s tourism agenda and boosting inbound travel ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). In collaboration with the Sarawak Tourism Board, the initiative promotes Sarawak as a compelling stopover destination.

Additional travel benefits for passengers

Beyond the BST programme, Malaysia Airlines continues to enhance the passenger experience by offering seamless end-to-end travel and added benefits. Economy Class passengers can pre-book meals or enjoy the Best of Asia menu on selected flights between Kuala Lumpur, Sabah, Sarawak and regional destinations from 1 November to 31 December 2025.

Members of the Enrich loyalty programme enjoy an additional 5% fare discount, while bookings made via the airline’s website or mobile app unlock exclusive fares, child discounts and flexible booking options.

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Batik Air to Launch Nine New Routes in Major Regional Expansion

Batik Air Malaysia is set to carry out one of its largest network expansions to date with the launch of nine new routes, all scheduled to commence on 8 December 2025. The move marks a significant step in strengthening regional connectivity across Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

Subang Airport at the centre of expansion

A key pillar of the expansion is Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport, Subang (SZB), Kuala Lumpur’s city airport, which will play a central role in Batik Air’s growth strategy. New routes from Subang will connect passengers to Singapore, Jakarta, Langkawi and Johor Bahru, offering faster and more convenient access for travellers in the Klang Valley.

The expansion supports the government’s Subang Airport Regeneration Plan (SARP), reinforcing Subang’s transformation into a modern regional hub focused on efficiency, accessibility and seamless domestic and regional travel.

Penang strengthens its role as a northern hub

Penang International Airport (PEN) will also see a strengthened role within Batik Air’s network. New services from Penang to Singapore, Medan, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu will enhance links between northern Malaysia, East Malaysia and neighbouring countries.

Routes such as Penang – Kota Kinabalu are expected to support both tourism and business travel, reinforcing Penang’s growing importance as a regional connector.

Ipoh joins Batik Air’s growing network

The expansion introduces Ipoh as a new destination in Batik Air’s network, with direct flights between Ipoh and Singapore. Operated from Sultan Azlan Shah Airport (IPH), the route improves access to Perak’s capital, which has become increasingly popular for its heritage attractions, food scene and proximity to natural destinations.

Singapore remains a key regional market

Singapore continues to be one of the most in-demand destinations for Malaysian travellers. From November 2025, all Lion Group airlines, including Batik Air, will operate from Changi Airport Terminal 4, enhancing the passenger experience with improved facilities and smoother airport processes.

Full list of new routes launching on 8 December 2025

  • Subang – Singapore
  • Subang – Jakarta
  • Subang – Langkawi
  • Subang – Johor Bahru
  • Penang – Singapore
  • Penang – Medan
  • Penang – Kuching
  • Penang – Kota Kinabalu
  • Ipoh – Singapore

Supporting Visit Malaysia 2026

The large-scale launch reflects Batik Air’s strategy to connect secondary cities, strengthen ASEAN travel corridors and support tourism growth ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026. By expanding access from key domestic hubs and linking them with selected international destinations, the airline aims to deliver greater choice, convenience and seamless regional travel.

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Hainan Airlines Launches Direct Kuala Lumpur – Haikou Flights at KLIA

KL International Airport (KLIA) has marked a new connectivity milestone with the launch of Hainan Airlines’ inaugural direct service between Kuala Lumpur and Haikou, further strengthening air links between Malaysia and China.

New four-times-weekly service

The direct Kuala Lumpur – Haikou flight commenced on 30 May 2025 and operates four times weekly. The route supports Malaysia Airports’ strategy to expand connectivity with China, one of its key growth markets for trade, tourism and long-term network development.

Expanded access across China and beyond

The new service provides Malaysian travellers with faster access to Hainan, while also enabling convenient onward connections via Haikou to more than 50 cities across China.

International connections via Haikou include major destinations such as London, Bangkok, Tokyo and Hong Kong. The city is also emerging as a strategic transit gateway between China and the Middle East, with onward connections to cities including Dubai and Jeddah.

Strengthening KLIA’s role as a regional gateway

Malaysia Airports highlighted that the route expansion reinforces KLIA’s role in driving connectivity-led growth by improving accessibility between Malaysia and key international markets.

The Kuala Lumpur – Haikou route is expected to support tourism flows, business travel and economic exchange between Malaysia, China and onward destinations.

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