Malaysia Airlines resumes direct flights between Kuala Lumpur & Fukuoka
Malaysia Airlines-1
Through the codeshare arrangement, customers travelling via Fukuoka are expected to connect to Japan Airlines-operated domestic services to Amami, Sapporo, Izumo, Kochi, Miyazaki, Kagoshima, Yakushima, Matsuyama and Tokushima.
Malaysia Airlines marked its return to Fukuoka with the resumption of direct flights from Kuala Lumpur. The reinstated route strengthens the airline’s Japan network, while offering the only direct connection between Kuala Lumpur and Fukuoka, providing travellers with convenient access to the vibrant Kyushu region.
The inaugural flight MH56, departed Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) Terminal 1 on September 1 2026 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 September 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.
Upon its arrival in Fukuoka on September 3 2026, 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 Dato' Ahmad Rozian Abd Ghani, Ambassador-designate of Malaysia to Japan; alongside Low Wen Long, Group Chief Strategy Officer of MAG, and Shinji Tagawa, Representative Director and President & CEO of FIAC, together with key stakeholders.
The service reportedly 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 the Malaysia Airlines-Japan Airlines joint business partnership.
Through the codeshare arrangement, customers travelling via Fukuoka are expected to connect 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, a seamless booking experience and a broader range of travel options between Malaysia and Japan.
