MALAYSIA AIRLINES marked its return to Fukuoka with the resumption of direct flights from Kuala Lumpur.
The reinstated route is the only direct connection between Kuala Lumpur and Fukuoka, adding Kyushu to Malaysia Airlines' Japan network.
The inaugural flight MH56 departed Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) Terminal 1 at 11.45pm on Sept 2 for Fukuoka International Airport (FUK).
The flight, operating on a Boeing 737-8, recorded an encouraging load factor of 88% for its outbound leg, while the inbound leg on Sept 3 recorded a load factor of 90%.
To commemorate the occasion, passengers were treated to a lively send-off celebrating Fukuoka’s vibrant culture and renowned street-food scene, complete with a Japanese food stall and a themed photo backdrop.
They also received Malaysia Airlines merchandise and commemorative Oden plushies.
Representing Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) at the celebration in Kuala Lumpur were president and group chief executive officer captain Nasaruddin A Bakar and airline business chief executive officer Bryan Foong, who were also joined by the ambassador extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Malaysia Noriyuki Shikata.
Upon its arrival in Fukuoka at 7.05am on Sept 3, the aircraft was welcomed with a water cannon salute, marking the airline’s celebratory return to the Kyushu region.
A special ceremony was held in collaboration with Fukuoka International Airport Co., Ltd (FIAC), and was graced by the ambassador-designate of Malaysia to Japan Datuk Ahmad Rozian Abd Ghani, alongside group chief strategy officer Low Wen Long, and FIAC representative director and president and chief executive officer Shinji Tagawa, together with key stakeholders.
Passengers departing on the return flight MH57 to Kuala Lumpur were also presented with special merchandise as they embarked on their journey, ready to experience the warmth of Malaysian hospitality.
Operating up to five times weekly, the resumed service brings travellers closer to Fukuoka’s distinctive blend of experiences from its lively yatai food stalls and celebrated Hakata ramen to historic shrines, tranquil parks and scenic coastal escapes.
The service complements Malaysia Airlines’ existing services to Tokyo (via Narita) and Osaka, bringing the airline’s total frequency to Japan to 26 flights weekly.
Together, these services strengthen connectivity between Malaysia and Japan, while marking an important milestone for Malaysia Airlines-Japan Airlines Joint Business partnership.
Through the codeshare arrangement, customers travelling via Fukuoka can connect seamlessly to Japan Airlines-operated domestic services to Amami, Sapporo, Izumo, Kochi, Miyazaki, Kagoshima, Yakushima, Matsuyama and Tokushima.
Japan Airlines also places its code on Malaysia Airlines-operated services between Kuala Lumpur and Fukuoka, offering a seamless booking experience and a broader range of travel options between Malaysia and Japan.
For travellers from Japan, the route offers convenient onward connections via Kuala Lumpur to destinations across domestic Malaysia, Asean, South-Asia and Australasia, while supporting inbound tourism in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026.
To celebrate the resumption, travellers can enjoy savings of up to 30% under the MATTA Fair promotion for bookings made by Sept 14.
Enrich members can enjoy an additional 5% off, while payments made with a Visa card through the Malaysia Airlines official website or mobile app qualify for a further 5% discount.
For more information and to book your flights, visit www.malaysiaairlines.com.
