AirAsia X has announced that it is to resume direct flights between Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) and Busan’s Gimhae International Airport (PUS), starting June 17, 2026.
This restores a route previously operated by AirAsia X, which established itself as the sole Malaysian airline connecting the two cities.
The service will operate four times weekly, making Busan the long-haul carrier’s 21st destination and its second point in South Korea after Seoul. The addition strengthens AirAsia X’s North Asian network, the region identified by the airline as its primary growth market.
“We’re thrilled to bring back this beloved route and proud to be the only airline in Malaysia operating direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Busan, a city of many wonders,” said Benyamin Ismail, CEO of AirAsia X. “Building on our current route to Seoul, Busan further enhances our footprint in South Korea as we continue expanding across North Asia, which remains our strongest growth region.”
Timing with visit Malaysia 2026
The route’s return coincides with Malaysia’s national tourism campaign, Visit Malaysia 2026. This positions Busan as both an outbound destination for Malaysian travelers and a source market for inbound tourism.
Ismail noted that the airline expects to attract South Korean visitors alongside serving Malaysian demand for travel to the coastal city. “We are excited to welcome travellers from Busan to Malaysia, particularly in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026,” he said.
South Korea’s second-largest city after Seoul, Busan sits on the southeastern coast and draws visitors for its beaches, mountains and cultural attractions. The city hosts the Busan International Film Festival and features landmarks including Jagalchi Fish Market and hillside villages that have become tourist draws.
Promotional fares
To mark resumption of the route, AirAsia X is offering promotional fares starting at RM299 (US $74) all-in one-way for economy class or RM999 (US $246) all-in one-way for its Premium Flatbed product. The promotion runs until January 18, 2026, for travel between June 17 and November 30, 2026.
The carrier previously served the Kuala Lumpur-Busan market before suspending operations during the COVID-19 pandemic era. The route’s return reflects AirAsia X’s strategy of restoring previously served destinations as part of its network rebuilding efforts.
With four weekly frequencies at launch, the service will provide connectivity, for both leisure travelers and those visiting friends and relatives, between Malaysia and South Korea’s primary southeastern gateway. The frequency allows for weekend travel patterns while providing midweek options for business and flexible leisure travel.
AirAsia X operates Airbus A330 aircraft on its long-haul routes, configured with both economy and Premium Flatbed seating. AirAsia X has stated that its Busan service will follow this configuration, offering travelers a choice between the carrier’s standard economy product and its lie-flat premium cabin.