AirAsia returns to Subang Airport, twice-daily jet flights to Kuching and Kota Kinabalu

In addition to Firefly, low-cost carrier AirAsia has also announced the start of jet flights to Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Subang Airport). The expansion to Subang Airport complements existing operations at the main hub at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Terminal 2) and offers customers a more convenient option due to its proximity to the city.

AirAsia’s operations at Subang Airport will begin with two domestic destinations, namely Kuching and Kota Kinabalu, with a total of 14 flights per week. The inaugural operation is scheduled for 30 August 2024, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s history.

Subang Airport was originally home to AirAsia as a low-cost airline until it was taken over by Tune Air in 2001 with only two Boeing 737-300 aircraft.

AirAsia returns to Subang Airport, back to where it all began

Tony Fernandes, Advisor and Steward at AirAsia Aviation Group and CEO of Capital A, said: “Subang Airport holds a special place in my heart and it is exciting to witness its resurgence as one of the key players in Malaysia’s aviation landscape. The government’s decision to revitalise the airport into a regional aviation hub aligns perfectly with our mission to continue to revolutionise the aviation industry, as the increased air traffic and passenger flow generated by our operations will have multiplier effects on related industries, driving economic growth and development in the region.

“AirAsia’s homecoming to Subang Airport is not only nostalgic, but also strategic. Capital A’s engineering arm, Asia Digital Engineering (ADE), has a presence there, enhancing the efficiency and streamlining of our aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) operations. Repainting Subang Airport in red not only symbolizes a return to our roots, but also a commitment to our growth journey and contribution to the prosperity of the communities we serve. This is a step in the right direction for the country’s aviation industry and we are excited to lead this visionary move.”

In a post shared on LinkedIn, Tony mentioned that they are introducing a new product called AirAsia+ (Plus). He hinted that it will offer a more premium product including food and free baggage since Subang is a city airport.

The airline CEO also thanked the Malaysian government for allowing the return of jet aircraft, adding that most major cities have two airports.

Meanwhile, AirAsia Malaysia Managing Director Dato Captain Fareh Mazputra said: “The decision to operate at Subang Airport as our second home in Kuala Lumpur is driven by several compelling factors and opportunities. The airport’s location and proximity to the city centre and surrounding suburbs offer an optimal travel experience for guests in the vicinity. Furthermore, its smaller size and lower passenger volume ensure a seamless journey for travellers in line with our commitment to enhancing the overall guest experience, while offering greater flexibility and choice and promoting healthy competition in the country’s aviation industry.

“The Subang Airport operation will increase AirAsia Malaysia’s domestic network from 920 flights per week to 948 flights per week with a total of 40 routes. This additional operation is expected to fuel our next phase of growth, not only in Malaysia but across the region. We eagerly look forward to adding more routes from Subang, particularly international routes, which are currently in the planning stages and subject to regulatory approval. This will further strengthen our vision to transform Malaysia into a premier aviation hub. We are optimistic that we can make Subang our sixth hub in Malaysia in the near future, further strengthen our network and expand our capacity to serve more destinations and guests.”

AirAsia launches two daily flights from Subang Airport to Kuching and Kota Kinabalu

AirAsia currently has a total of 8 scheduled flights between Subang, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. Flights from Subang to Kuching depart at 09:30 (AK4235) and 15:00 (AK4237), while the return flight from Kuching to Subang is scheduled at 12:45 (AK4234) and 17:40 (AK4236).

If you are planning to fly to Sabah, AirAsia has scheduled flights from Subang to Kota Kinabalu at 13:55 (AK4104) and 20:30 (AK4103). Meanwhile, return flights from Kota Kinabalu to Subang are scheduled at 06:25 (AK4102) and 17:00 (AK4105).

To celebrate the new flights, AirAsia is offering promo fares from Subang to Kuching starting from RM88 all-inclusive one-way and to Kota Kinabalu starting from RM99 all-inclusive one-way. These fares include a free 15kg checked baggage allowance. This promo is available on AirAsia.com and the AirAsia Move app and is available from today until 28 July 2024, for the travel period between 30 August 2024 and 8 October 2025.

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