Malaysia Airlines Restores Direct Flights to Kolkata After 18 Years
Malaysia Airlines Launches Historic Direct Flights to Kolkata, India
In a significant milestone, Malaysia Airlines has officially resumed direct flights to Kolkata, India, marking the airline’s return to this vibrant city after an 18-year hiatus. The inaugural flight took off on December 2, 2024, offering travelers a seamless connection between Kuala Lumpur and Kolkata, which is known for its rich culture and heritage.
Details of the New Flight Service
The new service operates five times a week, with flight MH184 departing from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) at 21:35 local time. Passengers can expect to arrive at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU) in Kolkata at 23:00 local time, following a flight duration of three hours and 45 minutes. The flights are operated using Malaysia Airlines’ modern B737-800 aircraft, ensuring a comfortable travel experience.
Welcoming the First Passengers
The launch of the Kolkata route was celebrated with great enthusiasm, as Malaysia Airlines welcomed its first passengers aboard. Ahmad Luqman Mohd Azmi, Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Airlines Group, expressed his excitement, stating, “We are delighted to recommence direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and the bustling metropolis of Kolkata, strengthening the bond between Malaysia and India while opening exciting opportunities for both leisure and business travelers.”
Expanding Connections with India
With the introduction of this route, Malaysia Airlines continues to enhance its connectivity to India, now offering links to 16 destinations across the country through its partnership with IndiGo. Since October 2024, Malaysia Airlines has expanded its reach within India, adding its flight code “MH” to several domestic destinations, including:
- Kolkata – Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport (CCU)
- Varanasi International Airport (VNS)
- Patna Jay Prakash Narayan Airport (PAT)
- Tiruchirappalli International Airport (TRZ)
- Goa Dabolim Airport (GOI)
- Bhubaneswar Biju Patnaik Airport (BBI)
- Visakhapatnam Airport (VTZ)
This strategic move not only enhances travel options for Indian passengers but also emphasizes the growing ties between Malaysia and India.
Cultural Ties and Indian Diaspora
Indians represent the second-largest minority group in Malaysia, comprising approximately 8% of the nation’s population. Malaysia ranks third globally for Indian diaspora, following the United States and the United Arab Emirates. This historical connection underscores the importance of the newly launched Kolkata route in fostering cultural and economic exchanges between the two countries.
As Malaysia Airlines embarks on this new journey, travelers are invited to explore Kolkata’s rich heritage and vibrant urban life, solidifying the airline’s role as a gateway to Malaysia and beyond.
For more information on Malaysia Airlines and its extensive network, visit Malaysia Airlines or explore related articles on travel opportunities between Malaysia and India.
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