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

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. 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,” Ms 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,” she said. 

“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,” Ms Evans said. 

AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail joined passengers onboard the flight into the Gold Coast this 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,” Mr Ismail said.

“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,” he said.

“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.

“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,” Mr 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.”   

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate extended his welcome to the first AirAsia X passengers into the region.

"International business and leisure travel is vital to our growing visitor economy."

"We value strong partnerships with carriers such as AirAsia X which has been part of our city's international connections since 2007."

"It's a great day to see them back on the runway bringing more tourists into the Gold Coast and taking Australians to Malaysia and beyond."

Destination Gold Coast Interim CEO Karen Bolinger welcomed AirAsia X’s reunion with the Gold Coast as a critical gateway to the South East Asian market and beyond.

“The Gold Coast is a vibrant city surrounded by golden beaches, lush ancient rainforests, a delicious dining scene, world-class exhibitions, shopping and more than 160 immersive experiences, all within an hour’s drive,” Ms Bolinger said.

“We couldn’t be more excited for AirAsia X’s touchdown back to our shores in what marks a significant milestone globally as the Gold Coast’s visitor economy rebuilds.”

ENDS.