Malaysia Airlines Strengthens Japan Connectivity with Resumption of Direct Flights to Fukuoka

Malaysia Airlines Strengthens Japan Connectivity with Resumption of Direct Flights to Fukuoka

Malaysia Airlines resumes direct Fukuoka services, strengthening Japan connectivity and supporting Visit Malaysia 2026.

KLIA, 3 September 2026 – Malaysia Airlines marked its return to Fukuoka with the resumption of direct flights from Kuala Lumpur. The reinstated route strengthens the airline’s Japan network, while offering the only direct connection between Kuala Lumpur and Fukuoka, providing travellers with convenient access to the vibrant Kyushu region. The inaugural flight MH56, departed Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) Terminal 1 at 11.45p.m. on 2 September 2026 for Fukuoka International Airport (FUK). The flight, operating on a Boeing 737-8, recorded an encouraging load factor of 88% for its outbound leg, while the inbound leg on 3 September recorded a load factor of 90%. To commemorate the occasion, passengers were treated to a lively send-off celebrating Fukuoka’s vibrant culture and renowned street-food scene, complete with a Japanese food stall and a themed photo backdrop. They also received Malaysia Airlines merchandise and commemorative Oden plushies. Representing Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) at the celebration in Kuala Lumpur were Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of MAG, and Bryan Foong, Chief Executive Officer of Airline Business from MAG, who were also joined by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Malaysia, His Excellency Noriyuki Shikata. Upon its arrival in Fukuoka at 7.05a.m. on 3 September 2026, the aircraft was welcomed with a water cannon salute, marking the airline’s celebratory return to the Kyushu region. A special ceremony was held in collaboration with Fukuoka International Airport Co., Ltd (FIAC), and was graced by His Excellency Dato' Ahmad Rozian Abd Ghani, Ambassador-designate of Malaysia to Japan; alongside Low Wen Long, Group Chief Strategy Officer of MAG, and Shinji Tagawa, Representative Director and President & CEO of FIAC, together with key stakeholders . Passengers departing on the return flight MH57 to Kuala Lumpur were also presented with special merchandises as they embarked on their journey to Kuala Lumpur, ready to experience the warmth of Malaysian Hospitality.

Operating up to five times weekly, the resumed service brings travellers closer to Fukuoka’s distinctive blend of experiences from its lively yatai food stalls and celebrated Hakata ramen to historic shrines, tranquil parks and scenic coastal escapes. The service complements Malaysia Airlines’ existing services to Tokyo (via Narita) and Osaka, bringing the airline’s total frequency to Japan to 26 flights weekly. Together, these services strengthen connectivity between Malaysia and Japan, while marking an important milestone for Malaysia Airlines-Japan Airlines Joint Business partnership. Through the codeshare arrangement, customers travelling via Fukuoka can connect seamlessly 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, a seamless booking experience and a broader range of 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. To celebrate the resumption, travellers can enjoy savings of up to 30% under the MATTA Fair promotion for bookings made by 14 September 2026. Enrich members can enjoy an additional 5% off, while payments made with a VISA card through the Malaysia Airlines official website or mobile app qualify for a further 5% discount. For more information and to book your flights, visit www.malaysiaairlines.com .