Driven by increasing traveller demand, Malaysia Airlines has announced the return of its direct service, suspended for eighteen years, between Kuala Lumpur and Kolkata City, India.

Beginning on December 2, the airline will use a Boeing 737-800 aircraft to run five weekly flights on this route. A statement on the airline’s website states that flights will be offered on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

This is Malaysia Airlines’ third attempt to serve the Kolkata market, following unsuccessful attempts in 1998 and 2005, both of which were cancelled after only a year.

West Bengal’s metropolis, Kolkata, is a major tourist attraction in India, while Kuala Lumpur, known for its Batu Caves and Petronas Twin Towers, is still one of Asia’s most popular travel destinations.

The resumption is attributed by industry analysts to an increase in Indian visitors visiting Malaysia as a result of the visa-free entrance regime.

Indian nationals have been able to enter Malaysia without a visa for up to 30 days since December of last year.

According to Datuk Aruldass, president of the Malaysian Indian Tour and Travel Association, when the visa exemption was implemented, the number of Indian visitors to Malaysia rose by 80% between 2023 and this year, according to The Star.