Malaysia Airlines will add extra flights and deploy more of its newest aircraft on the Melbourne-Kuala Lumpur route to give travellers more flexibility for flights to Malaysia, Southeast Asia, India and Europe.
Malaysia Airlines and Melbourne Airport strengthened ties, signing a Memorandum of Understanding, which included the confirmation of the third daily service to Melbourne starting in October.
The new flights will add an extra 216,000 seats a year between Melbourne and Kuala Lumpur, providing Victorian travellers and exporters with extra choice and putting Malaysia Airlines into the top five foreign carriers serving Victoria.
The signing ceremony, held on 19 April 2025 at the Malaysia Airlines Pavilion during MATTA Fair 2025, marks the beginning of an enhanced strategic partnership focused on expanding Malaysia Airlines’ network and reinforcing its role as a key connector in Kuala Lumpur for Victorians travelling to Malaysia and beyond.
As part of its expansion strategy, Malaysia Airlines will introduce the third daily service to Melbourne starting in October, increasing its total frequency from 14 to 21 weekly flights.
Malaysia Airlines will progressively deploy its new A330neo aircraft on the Kuala Lumpur – Melbourne route, aiming to operate all 21 weekly flights using the new fleet by the end of the year.
The Malaysian flag carrier said the enhanced connectivity underscores the airline’s commitment to the Australian market and solidifies its position as the preferred carrier between Malaysia and Victoria.
“This collaboration marks an exciting new chapter for Malaysia Airlines as we expand our network with the introduction of a third daily service to Melbourne,” chief commercial officer of Airlines from Malaysia Aviation Group, Dersenish Aresandiran, said. “We are committed to providing passengers with more direct flight options while ensuring an exceptional travel experience, defined by comfort, premium service, and the warmth of Malaysian Hospitality.
“Through our collaboration with Melbourne Airport, we aim to enhance connectivity, drive demand, and reinforce our position as the gateway to Asia and beyond. Through our partnership with Melbourne Airport, we aim to enhance connectivity, drive demand, and reinforce our position as the gateway to Asia and beyond.
“This initiative will strengthen ties between Malaysia and Australia, supporting cultural, business, and tourism exchanges, and creating new opportunities for both regions.”
Melbourne Airport chief executive officer, Lorie Argus, said the increase in Malaysia Airlines services would be welcomed by travellers and exporters.
“Malaysia Airlines has been serving Victoria for decades, and this capacity increase underscores the airline’s ongoing commitment to our city and state,” Argus said. “It speaks to the importance of the Victorian market that Malaysia Airlines plans to use its newest aircraft, featuring the latest onboard product for its enhanced Melbourne services.
”We know that Victorian travellers and exporters will welcome the increased choice and flexibility these new services deliver, and we’ll work with Visit Victoria to ensure Malaysian tourists make the most of them too.
“To keep pace with demand, we’re working with our airlines to deliver an expansion of the international terminal, and a third runway to ensure our airfield has the capacity to serve Victoria’s growing population.”
The MoU will be followed by a joint promotional campaign aimed at increasing travel demand and boosting passenger numbers between Malaysia and Victoria.
Through targeted marketing efforts, both parties aim to raise awareness, drive revenue, and further strengthen the partnership.
