AirAsia Malaysia Expands Network with New Kota Kinabalu–Taipei–Fukuoka Route Strengthening Regional Tourism and Trade

(IN SHORT) AirAsia Malaysia has inaugurated its first-ever route to Japan, launching a daily fifth-freedom service linking Kota Kinabalu, Taipei, and Fukuoka. The inaugural flight on 15 August 2025 achieved full capacity from Taipei to Fukuoka and strong demand on the return leg, signalling robust interest in the new service. The launch positions Kota Kinabalu as a strategic hub, enhancing travel links across East and Southeast Asia while fostering tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. Leaders from AirAsia, Fukuoka International Airport, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, and Tourism Malaysia have all welcomed the route as a timely development ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026. Operated by Airbus A320 family aircraft, the service offers promotional fares until 18 August 2025 for travel through mid-December.

(NEWS) FUKUOKA, Japan, 2025-Aug-15 — /Travel PR News/ — AirAsia Malaysia has officially marked its entry into the Japanese market with the launch of its inaugural fifth-freedom route connecting Kota Kinabalu, Taipei, and Fukuoka. The first flight, AK1510, departed Kota Kinabalu International Airport at 7:40 a.m. on 15 August 2025 and arrived in Fukuoka at 3:15 p.m. local time, following a technical stop in Taipei where passengers were greeted by AirAsia Malaysia CEO Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra and crew. The Taipei–Fukuoka sector achieved a 100% load factor on its maiden journey, while the return leg to Taipei recorded over 80%, reflecting strong demand for the new connection.

The Kota Kinabalu–Taipei–Fukuoka route, first announced by AirAsia Malaysia in June 2025, reflects the airline’s strategic push to strengthen regional connectivity. The launch has been hailed as a major milestone for AirAsia, bolstering Sabah’s role as a regional travel hub and expanding options for travellers across East and Southeast Asia. The new service is expected to promote tourism and economic activity, offering passengers from Sabah a gateway to destinations beyond ASEAN and providing travellers from Taipei access to the cultural and scenic attractions of Fukuoka.

The initiative has received widespread support from diplomatic, tourism, and aviation leaders. Bruce Chen, Ph.D., Consul General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Fukuoka, highlighted the route’s potential to strengthen travel convenience, cultural exchange, and economic collaboration between Japan, Taiwan, and Malaysia. Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra expressed confidence that the expansion would enhance connectivity, boost tourism, and generate business opportunities between the three cities. Fukuoka International Airport CEO Shinji Tagawa welcomed the decision, noting it aligned with the airport’s ongoing expansion plans and would benefit travellers across Kyushu. Meanwhile, Tourism Malaysia’s Director in Japan, Syaliza Abd. Aziz, described the new link as a timely boost ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.

Daily flights on the route will be operated using Airbus A320 family aircraft, including the A320neo, with a capacity of 186 passengers. Promotional one-way fares from Kota Kinabalu to Fukuoka start at RM679, from Taipei to Fukuoka at TWD2,990, and from Fukuoka to Kota Kinabalu at JPY23,990, with the Fukuoka–Taipei sector priced from JPY15,900. The promotional sale will run from 16 to 18 August 2025 for travel until 15 December 2025, available via airasia.com and the AirAsia MOVE app.