Air India has made a triumphant return to Kuala Lumpur, resuming direct flights from New Delhi on September 15th, after a 16-year absence. This new route not only offers travelers from Northern and Eastern India a convenient and direct connection to explore Malaysia’s diverse attractions but also signifies a significant boost to tourism between the two nations.
The direct flights, operating daily, join existing routes offered by Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Batik Air, enhancing air connectivity and providing greater choice for travelers. With these new additions, Malaysia now welcomes visitors from 17 Indian cities via various airlines. This enhanced connectivity is expected to play a crucial role in attracting more European and North American tourists who can now connect through Delhi to explore Malaysia’s vibrant offerings.
The return of Air India flights aligns perfectly with the ambitious goals of Visit Malaysia 2026, a campaign aiming to draw in 35.6 million international tourists and generate RM147.1 billion in tourism revenue. With India being a key target market, Malaysia is aiming to welcome 1 million Indian tourists by the end of 2024. By July 2024, the number of Indian visitors had already surged by 84.5% compared to the same period in 2023, reaching a total of 625,000 travelers. Malaysia currently receives 219 direct flights from India each week, offering a seating capacity of up to 42,000 passengers.
The Director General of Tourism Malaysia, Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, expressed enthusiasm about Air India’s return, stating, “We are excited to have Air India back in Kuala Lumpur after a 16-year hiatus. This new route provides travelers from Northern and Eastern India with greater choice and seamless travel options to explore Malaysia’s diverse attractions. Now you can travel to Malaysia from 17 cities by various airlines from India.” He further highlighted the strengthening ties between India and Malaysia, mentioning the recent visit of Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim to India which paved the way for a multi-sectoral cooperation agenda.
For those planning their Malaysian adventure, detailed information about these new direct flights is available on the Air India website, www.airindia.com, or through your preferred travel agent.
