Malaysia Airlines Axes Brisbane – Kuala Lumpur Service

After resuming service on the Brisbane–Kuala Lumpur route less than five years ago, Malaysia Airlines has decided to end the service once again.

From 27 March 2023, Queenslanders flying with Malaysia Airlines will need to make other arrangements for their flight to Kuala Lumpur, as the airline has announced it would no longer operate a non-stop service between the two cities.

The route cancellation was attributed to increased global economic problems and the need to continue on a growth path. The move was termed “a painful choice” by Malaysia Airlines CEO Izham Ismail after carefully analysing the company’s financial situation.

Ismail says that the service was cancelled because “we face tremendous headwinds from the ongoing growth in fuel prices, foreign exchange, and interest rates,” which have all contributed to a decline in the airline’s profitability.

Up to 43 weekly direct flights to and from Australia will continue to operate between Kuala Lumpur and Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Adelaide.

Because of Malaysia Airlines’ codeshare arrangement with Oneworld partner Qantas, Enrich members, and other passengers can still fly to Kuala Lumpur from Sydney or Melbourne.

Malaysia Airlines discontinued service between Brisbane and Kuala Lumpur in 2016 as part of more extensive cost-cutting measures but resumed the route in June 2018.

Malaysia Airlines has announced plans to replace its ageing A330 fleet with the more modern and comfortable A330neo, which will be used on all flights to and from Australia beginning in October of this year. Expect the new planes to debut somewhere between 2023 and 2028.

As on 26 March 2023, MH134 will be the last flight from Brisbane to Kuala Lumpur.