Malaysia Airlines Revives Direct Flights from Kolkata to Kuala Lumpur After 18 Years

Travelers can look forward to a significant enhancement in connectivity as Malaysia Airlines has announced the reinstatement of direct flights between Kolkata and Kuala Lumpur, a route that has not been operational for 18 years. Starting December 2, the airline will offer five weekly flights on this route, utilizing a Boeing 737-800 aircraft on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. This strategic initiative reflects Malaysia Airlines' commitment to expanding its presence in one of its key international markets.

The reintroduction of these direct flights follows the successful launch of daily operations from Amritsar last month, further demonstrating the airline's dedication to expanding its presence in India. Direct flights between Kolkata and Kuala Lumpur were previously suspended in 2006, making this announcement a significant milestone for both the airline and the local travel industry.

Sanjay Budhia, Malaysia’s honorary consul general in Kolkata, emphasized the positive impact of this development, stating that "visa-free entry and direct flights from Kolkata" will significantly boost trade and tourism between Malaysia and India. The airline's renewed service will now connect Kolkata to Kuala Lumpur, adding to its existing network of ten destinations in India, which includes New Delhi, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Amritsar, Trivandrum, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata.

Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi, the Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), expressed enthusiasm for the relaunch, saying, “We are delighted to recommence direct flights to Kolkata, marking a pivotal step in our ongoing efforts to offer enhanced connectivity for travelers between Malaysia and India. India is a key market for us.”

With this resumption of service, Malaysia Airlines now offers a total of 76 weekly flights connecting Malaysia and India, ensuring a comprehensive travel network for passengers. To celebrate the launch, the airline is providing special introductory fares starting at Rs 21,799 for a round trip in economy class. These promotional fares will be available for booking from October 8 to November 8, with travel commencing from December 3, as part of their “Time for Malaysia” campaign.

The flight schedule is also set to provide convenience for travelers: Flight MH 184 will depart from Kuala Lumpur to Kolkata at 9:35 PM (local time) on the designated days, while the return flight, MH 185, will leave Kolkata for Kuala Lumpur at 12:10 AM (local time).

Azmi further encouraged passengers to explore the diverse cultural offerings of Malaysia while taking advantage of seamless connections to other global hubs via Kuala Lumpur, reinforcing its status as a gateway to Asia and beyond.

As travelers eagerly anticipate this renewed service, Malaysia Airlines is poised to strengthen the ties between India and Malaysia, enhancing opportunities for tourism and trade.