Malaysia Airlines returns to Fukuoka

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines has resumed direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Fukuoka, strengthening its network in Japan and restoring the only direct air link between the two cities. 

In a statement, the national carrier said the service will operate up to five times weekly, bringing its total frequency to Japan to 26 flights a week, alongside its existing services to Tokyo via Narita, and Osaka. 

The inaugural flight MH56 departed Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 at 11.45pm on Sept 2 and arrived at Fukuoka International Airport at 7.05am on Sept 3. 

The Boeing 737-8 service recorded an 88 per cent load factor on its outbound leg, while the return flight MH57 achieved a 90 per cent load factor. 

The service marks an important milestone for Malaysia Airlines' joint business partnership with Japan Airlines. 

Under their codeshare arrangement, passengers travelling via Fukuoka can connect to Japan Airlines-operated domestic services to Amami, Sapporo, Izumo, Kochi, Miyazaki, Kagoshima, Yakushima, Matsuyama and Tokushima.

Japan Airlines also places its code on Malaysia Airlines-operated services between Kuala Lumpur and Fukuoka, giving passengers more travel options between Malaysia and Japan. 

"For travellers from Japan, the route offers convenient onward connections via Kuala Lumpur to destinations across domestic Malaysia, Asean, South Asia and Australasia, while supporting inbound tourism in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026," the company said. 

To celebrate the resumption, Malaysia Airlines is offering savings of up to 30 per cent under its Matta Fair promotion for bookings made by Sept 14. 

Enrich members are eligible for an additional five per cent discount, while customers paying with a Visa card through the Malaysia Airlines website or mobile app can receive a further five per cent discount.

-nst online.