AirAsia Bolsters Australia-Asia Aviation Links Through Additional Flights and Effortless Transfers
Unfiltered and Raw: AirAsia's Expansion Down Under
Date: June 3, 2025
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Travel, Airlines, Asia
Street Smart with Sharon Petersen
In the ever-evolving world of aviation, AirAsia continues to carve its dominance in the Asia-Pacific region, with a special emphasis on Australia. Post-pandemic resurgence hasn't just brought AirAsia back on its feet but has also catapulted it to new heights.
The AirAsia family, comprising seven airlines, witnessed an unprecedented spike in flights to and from Australia in 2024, driven by the insatiable Australian appetite for affordable and dependable travel.
Cementing a Grip Down Under
Since its revival, AirAsia has not only made a comeback but emerged stronger, unveiling improved customer service and clinging onto one of the world's most competitive pricing structures. This means passengers continue to enjoy competitive fares to over 130 destinations across Asia.
More to Savor in 2025
Keeping the momentum going, 2025 promises even more excitement for Australian travelers. The AirAsia Group anticipates launching additional routes and destinations, further amplifying accessibility for local tourists.
- AirAsia X Malaysia (D7): Sticking with A330s, D7 offers cadillac-style flatbeds, hushed zones, and cosy economy seating, providing daily service from major Australian cities to Kuala Lumpur.
- Thai AirAsia X (XJ): Flying on the same A330 aircraft, XJ connects Sydney and Bangkok six times a week, featuring similar high-end amenities.
- AirAsia Malaysia (AK): Hopping onto A320 jets, AK teams up with AirAsia X during peak seasons to service Perth-Kuala Lumpur routes and will fly from Kuala Lumpur to Darwin for the first time, starting mid-2025.
AirAsia Indonesia: Indonesia's QZ recently debuted new Bali-Cairns services with more routes in the pipeline from QZ[1].
The Fly Thru Buzz
Around 20% of AirAsia's Australian passengers leverage its connecting services (Fly Thru), and that number is expected to swell in 2025 and beyond as the group solidifies its network optimization plans[3].
Asia Scoop
From central hubs in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Bangkok (Thailand), Jakarta, and Bali (Indonesia), Manila (Philippines), and Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Australian travelers can easily access more than 130 destinations, with Fly Thru services becoming increasingly user-friendly and affordable for key destinations across Asia, including Japan, Korea, India, Vietnam, and the Philippines[3].
From Struggling Airlines to Aviation Titan
AirAsia roots trace back to 2001 when founders Tony Fernandes and Kamarudin Meranun built the airline from scratch, beginning with a meager two aircraft and 200 staff. Now, the airline boasts a fleet of over 200 planes and a 21,000-strong workforce, spanning five regional airlines based in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Cambodia[6].
With its iconic tagline, "Now Everyone Can Fly," AirAsia has proudly transported over 800 million passengers, serving as a connection between cultures, economies, and people throughout the region[6].
More on AirAsia X and Thai AirAsia X
AirAsia X (AAX), the group's medium-haul affiliate, embarked on its A330 fleet service in 2007, endeavoring to connect Australia with multiple Asian destinations via its hubs in Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok[6].
[1] AirAsia Indonesia announces new Bali-Cairns services. (2024, Aug 19). The Asia-Pacific Times. Retrieved from https://asiaweeklytimes.com/airasia-indonesia-announces-new-bali-cairns-services/
[2] AirAsia X and Thai AirAsia X connect Australia to new destinations through Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok hubs. (2018, Jan 12). Air Transport World. Retrieved from https://www.atwonline.com/route-planning/airasia-x-thai-airasia-x-connect-australia-new-destinations-through-kuala-lumpur
[3] AirAsia eyes network optimization to drive Fly Thru growth. (2024, Sep 17). Routes Online. Retrieved from https://routesonline.com/news/137652/airasia-eyes-network-optimization-to-drive-fly-thru-growth/
[4] AirAsia to launch new routes from Darwin and Adelaide to Kuala Lumpur. (2025, May 13). Tourism Tattler. Retrieved from https://tourismtattler.com/airasia-to-launch-new-routes-from-darwin-and-adelaide-to-kuala-lumpur/
[5] AirAsia X's newest route: Kota Kinabalu to Fukuoka via Taipei. (2024, Apr 24). Air Transport World. Retrieved from https://www.atwonline.com/route-planning/airasiaxs-newest-route-kota-kinabalu-to-fukuoka-via-taipei/
[6] The AirAsia Story: From a struggling airline to Asia's largest low-cost carrier. (2024, Jan 30). Southeast Asia Globe. Retrieved from https://www.seaglobe.com/features/the-airasia-story-from-a-struggling-airline-to-asias-largest-low-cost-carrier/
Feeling the need for a break? Let AirAsia take you there at unmatched prices!
Don't miss out on our exclusive updates. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest AirAsia news delivered right to your inbox.
Join Now | Privacy Policy
No spam, no hassle, no fuss, just airline news direct to you.
Stay connected with us:
On Twitter: @AirAsia NewsOn Facebook: AirAsia News PageOn Instagram: AirAsia News
No comments yet? Be the first to share your thoughts!
P.S. Want to learn more about AirAsia's Fly Thru service? Check out our suggested read below!
Suggested Read: Dive Into AirAsia's All-Inclusive Fly-Thru
- Finance: AirAsia's revenue significantly increased post-pandemic, reflecting a resurgence in travel demand, particularly towards Australia.
- Technology: AirAsia is optimizing its network and Fly Thru services to provide a more user-friendly and affordable option for travelers, leveraging advanced technology for seamless connectivity across Asia.
- Business: With continuous expansion and added routes, AirAsia is solidifying its position as a business leader in the competitive low-cost airline industry, striving to maintain one of the most competitive pricing structures.
- Lifestyle: For travel enthusiasts and those seeking affordable and dependable travel options, AirAsia offers a diverse range of destinations and services, catering to various lifestyles and interests.
- Travel: As AirAsia strengthens its presence Down Under and expands its network across Asia, the airline is providing more travel opportunities for Australians and promoting enhanced connectivity between different regions of the Asia-Pacific.
