Malaysia Airlines has announced an expansion of its service schedule between Adelaide and Kuala Lumpur, escalating its current offering from five flights per week to a daily service starting 2 February 2026. This upgrade will introduce over 60,000 additional seats annually on this route. The escalation will begin with an increase to six flights per week in November 2025 before reaching a daily service by February the following year.
This expansion is not only an increase in frequency but also an upgrade in the quality of the aircraft. Malaysia Airlines plans to deploy its new A330neo aircraft for this service. The aircraft stands out due to its increased fuel efficiency—25 percent more efficient than older models—alongside lower emissions and quieter engines. It offers 297 seats in total, including 28 in Business Class and 269 in Economy Class, with 24 of these Economy seats providing extra legroom.
The Business Class experience is notably improved in the A330neo, featuring private ‘mini suites’ which offer high walls and privacy doors to passengers. These upgrades aim to provide a more comfortable and private experience for travellers.
Adelaide Airport’s Managing Director, Brenton Cox, spoke about the significance of this development for the region. He shared, “Malaysia Airlines has been a significant supporter of Adelaide’s international market over many years. Today’s announcement reinforces that commitment. It’s a wonderful outcome for South Australians travelling to Malaysia and beyond, and to the overseas visitors travelling to Adelaide using the airline’s extensive route network.” Cox also pointed out the benefits for varied sectors including tourism, education, and local producers, thanks to the increased capacity and capabilities of the wide-body jet.
South Australian Tourism Minister, Zoe Bettison, also welcomed the news, recognising the positive impact on tourism in the region. She remarked, “It is very welcome news from Malaysia Airlines today that it will soon be flying daily direct to Adelaide – on its brand new A330neo aircraft – helping entice more passengers from South Australia’s Asia tourism market.” She highlighted the significant contribution of these markets to the state’s economy, noting a 25 percent increase to $957 million in the year up to March 2025.
Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer of Airlines from Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), shared his views on the operational upgrade. He said, “Australia remains an important market for Malaysia Airlines, and we are delighted to strengthen our commitment to Adelaide by increasing services to daily flights. The introduction of our new A330neo aircraft marks a proud milestone, reflecting our commitment to service excellence and to carrying the Malaysian flag higher and further, while strengthening connections between South Australia, Malaysia, and the rest of the world.”
The new flight timings will see departures from Kuala Lumpur at 10.25pm, arriving in Adelaide at 7am the following day. Return flights will leave Adelaide at 9.50am and reach Kuala Lumpur at 4pm.
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