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Queenslanders will have daily access to Kuala Lumpur from October, with Malaysia Airlines increasing Brisbane services and introducing its new Airbus A330neo on the route.
The airline will increase from five to six services a week from Sunday before moving to daily flights from October 25, adding capacity on a route that serves both direct travel between Queensland and Malaysia and onward connections across Asia, India and Europe.
It came less than a year after Malaysia Airlines resumed Brisbane services after pausing the route in 2023.
Malaysia Aviation Group airline business chief Bryan Foong said the move reflected the carrier’s confidence in the Australian market.
“The introduction of the A330neo on Malaysia Airlines’ Brisbane-Kuala Lumpur services marks an important milestone in our continued fleet modernisation and network development, reflecting our confidence in the strength and potential of the Australasian market,” he said.
“With its enhanced operational efficiency, range and cabin comfort, the A330neo enables us to deliver a more elevated customer experience while strengthening connectivity between Queensland, Malaysia and key markets across Asia and beyond.”
The Airbus A330neo is the latest aircraft type to be introduced to Brisbane as airlines seek to cut fuel use and operating costs while offering upgraded cabins to passengers.
Brisbane Airport executive general manager of aviation Ryan Both said sustained demand had underpinned the airline’s decision to increase services.
“Strong customer demand continues to reinforce the success of Malaysia Airlines’ Brisbane services,” Both said.
“These additional services will also provide more choice for travellers, strengthen links between Australia and Malaysia, and make it even easier for visitors to access Brisbane and explore everything Queensland has to offer.”
The airline’s announcement comes as Brisbane Airport pushes ahead with another major project – construction of its $217 million aeromedical precinct, which is reaching the halfway mark.
The facility, located between the airport’s parallel runways, is expected to become Australia’s largest dedicated aeromedical hub when it opens next year, housing aircraft and operations for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, LifeFlight, Retrieval Services Queensland, and the Queensland Police Service Aviation Capability Group.
Airport chief executive Gert-Jan de Graaff said the development was a demonstration of Brisbane Airport’s role beyond passenger transport.
“In a state as vast as Queensland, aeromedical services play a vital role in keeping communities connected to healthcare, regardless of where they live,” he said.
Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls said the precinct would support access to healthcare for people living outside the state’s south-east corner.
According to airport figures, Royal Flying Doctor Service aircraft transported 7207 patients between 60 regional, rural and remote communities and Brisbane in the year to June, while LifeFlight crews assisted more than 1000 people through helicopter and jet operations.
Brisbane Airport welcomed a record 25 million passengers in 2025, according to its figures, and is investing $5 billion across its precinct over the next five years as part of its Future BNE expansion program.
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