Malaysia Airlines Adds Three New India Routes

Malaysia Airlines is expanding its connectivity in India with three new routes set to be introduced in the coming months. The flights will originate from the airline’s hub in Kuala Lumpur.

The carrier expects the new service will bring more convenience for travelers while strengthening its network. The airline will also add more frequencies to existing routes as it pushes to restore its pre-pandemic capacity levels.

“A key market”

The first of the three new routes will commence on November 8th between Kuala Lumpur and Amritsar. On November 9th, service to Thiruvananthapuram will begin, and then on December 1st, flights to Ahmedabad will commence. Group Managing Director of the Malaysia Aviation Group, Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, spoke about Malaysia Airlines’ presence in India.

“India remains a key market for Malaysia Airlines, hence we are delighted to introduce three new routes into our Indian network, which will provide added convenience for travellers, strengthen our presence in this core market and extend our Malaysian Hospitality service even further.”

Photo: Sorbis/Shutterstock

With the new routes, the carrier will connect Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to nine destinations in India, offering enhanced options and flexibility when traveling between or within the two counties. The airline already flies directly to New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kochi. The Boeing 737-800 will operate the new routes, accommodating 160 passengers in a two-class configuration.

“Currently, our average load factor on this route is at 81% YTD July 2023 signifying the growth and confidence for travel between the two markets,” Ismail explained. “We are looking at restoring our pre-COVID-19 capacity back in the Indian market by the end of this year and will also look to increase flight frequencies to other destinations as we support seamless travels in Malaysia and beyond.”

Flight details

Here is the flight information for the new routes:

Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport (ATQ)

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport (TRV)

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD)

To celebrate the new routes, Malaysia Airlines is offering fares starting from INR 16,899 ($204) for economy class tickets and INR 59,099 ($714) for business class. The airline said the tickets are on sale through September 15th for travel beginning November 8th through March 31, 2024. In addition, travelers who book their tickets during the period will reportedly receive up to 50% Bonus Enrich Points, which is part of the carrier’s frequent flyer program.

Expanding frequencies

As travel demand increases, Malaysia Airlines will expand flights to other markets in Australia, China, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Starting this December, the airline will grow its service from KUL to Melbourne and Sydney from 14 flights a week to 15 weekly to Melbourne and 16 scheduled to Sydney.

Photo: Lens Hitam/Shutterstock

Frequencies to Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City will also see weekly expansions.