Thai Vietjet to Launch Direct Bangkok-KL Flights as Malaysia, Thailand Boost Air Links

14 April 2026

KOTA KINABALU: Thai Airways and Thai Vietjet are strengthening Malaysia-Thailand aviation connectivity with a new direct route from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport to Kuala Lumpur set to launch in August, Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Tiong King Sing said.

During a working visit to Bangkok, Datuk Tiong held separate meetings with teams from both airlines, focusing on enhancing bilateral air links and regional route development.

"Thai Vietjet Air announced that it plans to launch a direct route from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi) to Kuala Lumpur in August this year," the minister said.

"Flight frequency will be increased gradually based on market demand, and it does not rule out the possibility of expanding to two flights per day in the future."

He highlighted the route's potential to offer more flexible travel options and boost direct connections between the two nations.

Thailand remains a vital market, attracting 10 to 20 million visitors annually to Malaysia, with current weekly flights numbering around 300 and over 56,000 seats—yet significant expansion potential exists.

Tiong proposed broadening gateways beyond Kuala Lumpur to include Sabah and Sarawak for a multi-entry concept, plus direct links from northern Thai cities like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

"These areas boast promising cultural, religious, and natural tourism resources, and improved air access is expected to stimulate greater two-way tourist flows," he stated.

Thai Airways reported stable demand on its Bangkok-KL route with strong load factors, leveraging its full-service strengths in premium, business, and transit segments.

Both airlines agreed to align route strategies with joint marketing efforts, including partnerships with Tourism Malaysia, travel agencies, and product development.

"Air routes are not merely transport links, but also a vital foundation for facilitating the movement of people, capital, and tourism spending," Tiong emphasised.

"Through ongoing collaboration with regional aviation players, Malaysia will solidify its role as a hub in Southeast Asia's aviation network, fostering more sustainable bilateral tourism growth."