Queensland Airports Limited is excited to announce, after more than two and a half years, AirAsia X is returning to its first ever route between Kuala Lumpur and the Gold Coast, operating three return services a week, with the first flight to touch down at Gold Coast Airport on 16 February next year.

Queensland Airports Limited CEO Amelia Evans said the team is excited to see the return of AirAsia X which has a long-standing history with Gold Coast Airport since its maiden flight into the region in November 2007.

“Since AirAsia X last landed at Gold Coast Airport, we’ve opened our brand-new International Terminal and we look forward to welcoming the AirAsia X team and passengers back, this time through our impressive new building,” Ms Evans said.

“Since its maiden flight, more than 2 million passengers have flown with AirAsia X between the Gold Coast and Kuala Lumpur, a connection that in 2019 was worth more than $200 million to the local and state economy,” she said.

In celebration of its return to its first ever route, AirAsia X is offering introductory fares from $299 one way.

AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail said there’s been overwhelming demand for the airline’s return to the ‘Gem of Queensland’ as the Gold Coast is a key gateway to Australia offering strong domestic connections to Queensland and beyond.

“Fifteen years ago the Gold Coast was the catalyst for the birth of AirAsia X and our Australia expansion, which quickly became one of our most popular key markets,” Mr Ismail said.

“Through Kuala Lumpur, AirAsia X will connect visitors from more than 130 destinations across Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, India, South Korea and many more.”

Today’s announcement is a direct result of an ongoing commitment between Queensland Airports Limited, the Queensland Government and Destination Gold Coast, to reconnect the state with key international markets, such as Malaysia.

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said AirAsia X services from Kuala Lumpur had been secured by the Queensland Government’s $200 million aviation attraction war chest, in partnership with Queensland’s four international airports.

“The return of AirAsia X to Gold Coast Airport’s arrivals board is a terrific investment in Gold Coast tourism and jobs,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“International aviation is highly competitive but absolutely critical to rebuilding Queensland’s post-Covid overseas visitor economy and that’s why we’re backing AirAsia X on the Gold Coast,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming Malaysian visitors back to enjoy Queensland’s great lifestyle in Australia’s favourite destination and AirAsia X increasing its inbound flight schedule to five a week by late 2023.

“AirAsia X from Kuala Lumpur is predicted to land almost 59,000 seats on the Gold Coast every year, generating $45.6 million for the visitor economy, and supporting 450 good Queensland jobs.”

Destination Gold Coast Chair Adrienne Readings welcomed AirAsia X’s return to the Gold Coast.

“We know the Gold Coast is a sought-after destination for Malaysian visitors who love everything from our safe and spacious destination to year-round sunny climate, family-friendly attractions, immersive nature based experiences and extensive dining scene.

“Thank you to AirAsia X for their strong vote of confidence in the Gold Coast and for the continued support of our partners Gold Coast Airport, the City of Gold Coast and Queensland Government.”

“It’s touchdown for a great airline, soon to be again operating from our city’s incredible new terminal,’’ said Acting Mayor Donna Gates.

“I’m delighted the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, which is overseen by Destination Gold Coast, has played a part in securing this new international route for not only locals but residents across northern New South Wales and beyond.’’

The relaunch of the Gold Coast-Kuala Lumpur link will also help to address Queensland’s critical skills shortage, by increasing linkages to Malaysia and beyond into South-East Asia, connecting skilled international workers to Queensland.

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