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FUKUOKA: AirAsia Malaysia has spread its wings further into Japan with the launch of its first-ever fifth freedom route, linking Kota Kinabalu to Fukuoka via Taipei – a move that cements Sabah’s standing as a regional hub.

The maiden service, Flight AK1510, took off from Kota Kinabalu International Airport at 7.40am on August 15 and landed at Fukuoka International Airport at 3.15pm local time. 

The Taipei–Fukuoka sector was fully booked, while the return flight registered more than 80 per cent load, underscoring strong demand.

Passengers departing Taipei for Fukuoka also received a personal send-off from AirAsia Malaysia CEO Datuk Captain Fareh Mazputra, accompanied by members of the cabin crew.

At the launch ceremony in Fukuoka, Fareh described the route as a major achievement.

“This is our first fifth freedom route and a significant milestone for AirAsia. It reflects our commitment to developing Kota Kinabalu as a strategic hub in East Malaysia, while offering more flexibility and affordable fares to travellers. 

“We are confident this connectivity will open doors for tourism and business between Kota Kinabalu, Taipei and Fukuoka,” he said.

He added that Fukuoka was chosen as a natural entry point into Japan, as AirAsia already serves six other Japanese cities. 

“This route enhances connectivity between ASEAN, Taiwan and Japan, while giving travellers from Kyushu a direct link to Sabah,” he said.

Fareh said the service will also boost Sabah’s tourism appeal. 

“Travellers can leave Fukuoka in the late afternoon and arrive in Kota Kinabalu the same evening. From pristine rainforests to Mount Kinabalu, Sabah offers unique attractions at affordable prices. This route also opens access to ASEAN through AirAsia’s network of more than 130 destinations,” he said.

He pointed out that the route goes beyond tourism by creating opportunities for trade and investment. 

“We want to connect people, businesses and industries across these three markets. Sabah is famous for its natural beauty, but it can also be a hub for commerce,” he said.

The airline revealed that bookings have been highly encouraging, with the Taipei–Fukuoka sector already hitting the high 90 per cent range.

 “Today’s flight was 100 per cent sold. Between Sabah and Taipei, most flights are already around 80 per cent booked, and with this new link to Fukuoka, we expect numbers to increase further,” said Fareh.

He also highlighted the potential of the Muslim-friendly travel market. 

“AirAsia is now the only airline directly linking Kyushu to Kota Kinabalu. With Sabah’s strong halal food offerings and reputation as a Muslim-friendly destination, this market has great potential to grow,” he said, noting plans to work closely with Tourism Malaysia on this segment.

Tourism Malaysia Director in Japan, Syaliza Abd. Aziz, welcomed the development, calling it a timely boost for Sabah. 

“Although this is an extension from Taipei, it gives us new promotional opportunities between Taiwan, Malaysia and Japan. With Visit Malaysia Year coming up, we expect more Japanese tourists to fly directly to Sabah,” she said.

She also noted that Japan’s growing readiness for Muslim-friendly tourism complements Malaysia’s global reputation as one of the top destinations for Muslim travellers. 

“This connectivity creates a win-win situation and allows us to attract more visitors to Sabah,” she added.

The launch was also applauded by regional officials. Consul General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Fukuoka, Bruce Chen said the service strengthens convenience and people-to-people ties between Japan, Taiwan and Malaysia. 

Fukuoka International Airport President and CEO Shinji Tagawa said the airport was honoured to host AirAsia Malaysia’s first Japanese destination, adding that the route would further support tourism, business, culture and education links.

The new service will run daily on Airbus A320 family aircraft, including the A320neo, with 186 seats. 

Bookings are available from August 16 to 18 for travel until December 15, 2025, via airasia.com and the AirAsia MOVE app.