AirAsia X’s Kuala Lumpur-Gold Coast service returns after 3 years

Direct services from Malaysia have returned to Gold Coast Airport, with the touch down of AirAsia X on Friday direct from Kuala Lumpur for the first time in three years.

Its return to Queensland is a collaborative effort between Queensland Airports Limited, the Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport, the Gold Coast City Council and Destination Gold Coast through the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund.

Queensland Airports Limited CEO Amelia Evans said the return of AirAsia X to the Gold Coast would provide three return flights between Kuala Lumpur and the Gold Coast each week, bringing 58,000 additional seats into the region each year.

“Since the first AirAsia X flight took off from Kuala Lumpur to the Gold Coast in 2007 more than 2 million travellers have flown between the two cities,” Evans said.

“The return of this service re-establishes an important connection between two major tourism and economic hubs at a competitive price for international travel, and an important partnership with Air Asia X for the future.

“We’re also excited to have been able to welcome AirAsia X back to our new International Terminal, providing visitors with an elevated experience from the moment they touch down into the Gold Coast and the region.”

AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail joined passengers onboard the flight into the Gold Coast on Friday morning.

“Today is an incredibly important day for AAX as we return to the Gold Coast – our first ever route which was launched in November 2007,” Ismail said on Friday.

“The Gold Coast will always hold a special place in our hearts and what makes this announcement even more of a major milestone is that AAX is now the only airline connecting Kuala Lumpur directly to the Gold Coast and Queensland.

“Our newest route now provides the most affordable and convenient air travel option for guests who want to explore one of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations linking visitors through Kuala Lumpur from destinations like Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, India and more.”

Tourism minister Stirling Hinchliffe said AirAsia X was predicted to generate $45.6 million for the Gold Coast’s visitor economy.

L-R: Destination Gold Coast Interim CEO Karen Bolinger, Hinchcliffe, Evans, Ismail

“These direct services from Kuala Lumpur have been secured by the Palaszczuk Government’s $200 million aviation war chest in partnership with Gold Coast Airport,” Hinchliffe said.

“We’re backing AirAsia X because of the airline’s commitment to increasing its Gold Coast flight schedule to five days a week by the end of the year.

“AirAsia X is a terrific investment in the Gold Coast’s visitor economy and the 450 good Queensland jobs these services will support.

“It’s terrific to welcome Malaysian visitors back to Queensland to share our great lifestyle and enjoy the Gold Coast’s world-class holiday experiences.”

The service had been operating between the two cities since AirAsia X’s inaugural flight landed on the Gold Coast in 2007, however it stopped during the pandemic.

Featured Image: AirAsia X arriving in Gold Coast Airport (AirAsia X)

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air asia x Amelia Evans Attracting Aviation Investment Fund Benyamin Ismail Department of Tourism destination gold coast gold coast Gold Coast City Council Queensland Airports Limited Stirling Hinchliffe