At a glance
- Company
- AirAsia Malaysia
- Announcement
- Expansion
- Location
- Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Key figures
- Kaohsiung–Osaka promotional one-way fare
- TWD2,690
- Osaka–Kaohsiung promotional one-way fare
- JPY11,990
- Average passenger load factor on the earlier fifth-freedom route, as stated by the company
- over 90 per cent
People
- Dato’ Captain Fareh MazputraGeneral Manager of AirAsia Malaysia
Products and programs
AirAsia Malaysia (flight code AK) is accelerating its fifth-freedom expansion strategy with the introduction of a new Kaohsiung-Osaka route, operated as part of its Kuala Lumpur-Kaohsiung service, marking the next phase of the airline’s network growth across North Asia.
February 5, 2026 -- AirAsia Malaysia (flight code AK) is accelerating its fifth-freedom expansion strategy with the introduction of a new Kaohsiung-Osaka route, operated as part of its Kuala Lumpur-Kaohsiung service, marking the next phase of the airline’s network growth across North Asia.
Building on the success of its first fifth-freedom route launched last year, flying from Kota Kinabalu to Fukuoka via Taipei, AirAsia continues to scale this strategy by expanding beyond traditional point-to-point routes and creating new connectivity opportunities across its network. The addition of this Kaohsiung-Osaka route strengthens connectivity between Taiwan and Japan while leveraging Kuala Lumpur as a key origin hub within the airline’s broader network.
Starting from 15 June 2026, AirAsia will be operating the new route connecting Kaohsiung to Osaka with daily flights in addition to the existing Kuala Lumpur-Kaohsiung route. The new fifth-freedom sector enhances the airline’s presence in North Asia and supports growing demand for travel between Taiwan and Japan, while offering guests with more seamless travel options across multiple markets through AirAsia's robust network.
Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra, General Manager of AirAsia Malaysia, said: “The strong demand for our first fifth-freedom route between Taipei and Fukuoka last year is a clear testament to the success of this strategy, with an average passenger load factor of over 90 per cent since the service commenced. Building on this momentum, we are now introducing the new Kaohsiung-Osaka route as part of our ongoing network expansion, where we strengthen existing routes while unlocking new market opportunities.”
To commemorate this launch, AirAsia will be offering special promotional fares for flights from Kaohsiung to Osaka starting TWD2,690* all-in one way whereas flights from Osaka to Kaohsiung are also available from JPY11,990* all-in one way. Bookings are available from today onwards until 15 February 2026, for travel between 15 June 2026 and 24 October 2026, available on the AirAsia MOVE app and airasia.com.
Flight Schedule between Kaohsiung (KHH) and Osaka (KIX):
Osaka is one of Japan’s most dynamic cities, known for its vibrant street food culture, rich history and modern urban energy. As a major commercial and tourism hub, the city continues to attract travellers from across Asia for both leisure and business. The new Kaohsiung-Osaka service further strengthens tourism and travel opportunities between Taiwan and Japan, supporting growing two-way demand between the two destinations.
*All-in fares are quoted for one-way travel only, including passenger service charge, regulatory service charges, fuel surcharges, and other applicable fees. Terms and conditions apply.
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In brief
AirAsia Malaysia says it will add daily flights between Kaohsiung and Osaka from June 15, 2026, as an extension of its Kuala Lumpur–Kaohsiung service. The airline describes the route as part of its fifth-freedom expansion in North Asia, following its Kota Kinabalu–Fukuoka service via Taipei. General Manager Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra said the first fifth-freedom route recorded an average passenger load factor of more than 90 per cent, according to the company. Promotional one-way fares are listed from TWD2,690 for Kaohsiung–Osaka and JPY11,990 for Osaka–Kaohsiung. Bookings are open through February 15, 2026, for travel from June 15 to October 24, 2026, through AirAsia MOVE and the company’s website.
Key takeaways
- Daily Kaohsiung–Osaka flights are scheduled to begin June 15, 2026.
- The route will operate as part of AirAsia Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur–Kaohsiung service.
- Promotional fares start at TWD2,690 from Kaohsiung and JPY11,990 from Osaka, one way.
- The airline says its earlier Taipei–Fukuoka fifth-freedom service had an average passenger load factor above 90 per cent.
Earlier from AirAsia Malaysia
- AirAsia strengthens its position as people’s choice carrier between Malaysia and Indonesia with Kuala Lumpur–Batam Flights
- AirAsia strengthens southern hub with new Johor Bahru-Kunming route
- AirAsia strengthens position as airline with largest network between Malaysia and Indonesia, launching two direct routes to Pontianak in West Kalimantan
- AirAsia inaugural flight marks the return of international status to Palembang Airport, boosting South Sumatera tourism and economy
- AirAsia lands in the Northern Territory with inauguration of Kuala Lumpur-Darwin flights
