New destination in South Korea opens up for Australians

Australian travellers have a new - and affordable way - to fly to South Korea.

AirAsia X today restarted direct services from Kuala Lumpur to Busan (above) with connections from Australia and New Zealand to one of the key Korean tourism destinations.

And fares from Australia to Busan start from $372.

Australians can fly from Sydney, Melbourne and Perth to Busan via Kuala Lumpur on AirAsia X.

The inaugural flight departed from Kuala Lumpur International Airport yesterday, landing at Gimhae International Airport.

Busan is the airline’s 15th destination and the second in South Korea, with three times a week flights to/from Kuala Lumpur.

“Australians and New Zealanders love South Korea and Koreans love Australia and also New Zealand, which they can now fly to at great value fares connecting via our main hub in Kuala Lumpur," says AirAsia X Malaysia CEO Benyamin Ismail.

“We are excited to restart this historically very popular route and proud to be the only airline in Malaysia operating direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Busan, a city of many tourism drawcards.

“Together with our existing route to Seoul, this further strengthens our foothold in South Korea and increases our overall capacity to North Asia - one of our fastest growing markets. We will continue to look for expansion opportunities in the future and work with BTO to promote the destination globally and invigorate the tourism industry in Busan.”

Fares from Sydney/Melbourne/Perth to Busan are on sale now from $372, inclusive of airport taxes, fuel surcharges and any other applicable charges. The boking period for that fare is from now until February 19 for a travel period between February 3 and October 28.

Book through the AirAsia Super App and see https://www.visitbusan.net/.

Air Asia X returns to the Gold Coast

The AirAsia group is making another major push into Australia with an announcement of a return first-ever route - the Gold Coast, from February 15 next year.

The route will be the airline’s fourth destination in Australia, further expanding its network Down Under.

Following the return to Sydney, Melbourne and Perth, AAX has carried over 30,000 guests between Malaysia and Australia.

That number is set to grow substantially with the new announcement and additional frequencies to Sydney and Melbourne launching this month.

Fares between the Gold Coast and Kuala Lumpur start from RM799 (under $299) all-in one way for economy and RM3,999 (under $1340) one way for premium flatbed seats.

AirAsia X CEO Benyamin Ismail said there has been overwhelming demand for the airline’s return to the Gold Coast

“We are thrilled to be coming back to the stunning Gold Coast as the first and only low-cost carrier flying direct. As our first-ever route, which launched in November 2007, this is an incredibly special announcement for AAX.

“Fifteen years ago the Gold Coast was the catalyst for the birth of AirAsia X and our Australia expansion, which quickly became one of our most popular core markets.

“Through Kuala Lumpur, AirAsia X will connect visitors to more than 130 destinations across Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, India, South Korea and many more.”

Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said: “The return of AirAsia X to Gold Coast Airport’s arrivals board is a terrific investment in Gold Coast tourism and jobs.

"International aviation is highly competitive but absolutely critical to rebuilding Queensland’s post-Covid overseas visitor economy and that’s why we’re backing AirAsia X on the Gold Coast.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming Malaysian visitors back to enjoy Queensland’s great lifestyle in Australia’s favourite destination and AirAsia X increasing its inbound flight schedule to five a week by late 2023."

Alongside AAX’s return to Australia, sister medium-haul airline Thai AirAsia X also recently launched its first ever direct services between Bangkok to Sydney and Melbourne.