Transport Minister Anthony Loke welcoming Reception of British Airways into KL International Airport (KLIA). -CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
SEPANG: British Airways has resumed flights to Kuala Lumpur for the first time in five years, marking a significant milestone in reconnecting Malaysia with the United Kingdom.
This resumption ends a nearly four-year suspension of the route by the UK flag carrier, which had halted services due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Flight BA33, operated by a Boeing 787-9, departed from London at 9.10pm on Tuesday (April 1) and arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 5.20pm on Wednesday (April 2).
“This is a great boost for Malaysia’s tourism industry. Naturally, we hope to welcome more tourists from Europe, particularly from the United Kingdom, to Malaysia,” said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
He said that Malaysia Airlines already operated two daily flights to London. However, with British Airways’ return, he expressed optimism about future growth.
“With more flights, we hope to further expand our tourism industry and attract more visitors, especially in the coming years.
“Malaysia will continue to enhance its global connectivity, particularly with Europe. We also hope to strengthen our links with the United States,” he added.
Loke highlighted that British Airways’ return came at a strategic time as Malaysia prepared for Visit Malaysia 2026.
“The government has set a target of attracting 35.6 million foreign tourists, and air connectivity is crucial in achieving this goal,” he said at the welcoming ceremony at KLIA on Wednesday.
"I am eager to see MAHB be more competitive in the future, especially with a new boardroom. I hope they will make the necessary move to build a world-class airport operator for our beloved nation."
"As we move forward, I am optimistic that this collaboration will usher in a new era of aviation growth, economic development, and mutual prosperity.
"May this renewed partnership between MAHB and British Airways unlock more potential for mutual success between Malaysia and the UK," Loke said.
British Airways’ return was marked by a special reception at KLIA, attended by acting British High Commissioner to Malaysia David Wallace, Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, British Airways’ Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific regional general manager Helen O’Connor, and Malaysia Airports managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani.
O’Connor expressed her enthusiasm for the airline’s return to Malaysia after five years.
“This is a significant milestone in reconnecting Malaysia with the United Kingdom and reinstating Kuala Lumpur on our route map,” she said.
“This isn’t just about reintroducing a route to our network; it’s about renewing our commitment to the Malaysian and UK markets. Our return to Kuala Lumpur underscores the importance of reconnecting people, cultures, and businesses between the two continents.”
As part of the enhanced partnership, British Airways has also expanded its codeshare agreement with Malaysia Airlines, enabling seamless travel to over 17 cities via Kuala Lumpur.
This includes key destinations in Malaysia, as well as Australia, New Zealand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. All flights can be booked under a single itinerary with British Airways.
Additionally, Malaysia Airlines will extend its code-share routes with British Airways, adding four new London-US connections: Boston, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Portland.
This enhancement will allow Malaysia Airlines customers to book journeys between Malaysia and the US under a single ticket, offering greater convenience and connectivity.
