AirAsia strengthens Australian network; New routes and increased frequencies to connect more Australians to Asia and beyond

SYDNEY, 3 March 2026 - AirAsia is deepening its presence across major Australian gateways with a series of network enhancements. The moves reflect sustained demand and growing consumer confidence in AirAsia as the airline of choice for Australians travelling to Bali, Kuala Lumpur and destinations across the broader AirAsia network.  

  • Adelaide-Bali: Frequency increased from 4x to 7x weekly from 21 March 2026, rising to 10x weekly during peak periods*, creating more than 56,000 seats per year through Adelaide Airport

  • Melbourne-Bali: New route, launching 21 March 2026, adding 130,000 seats and expanding choice for Victorian travellers

  • Kuala Lumpur from both Sydney and Melbourne: Now flying daily, with premium cabins and flatbed seating options

  • Perth-Bali: Four daily frequencies (28x weekly) operating year round

  • Perth-Kuala Lumpur: Double daily frequencies increasing to three daily during peaks

  • Darwin-Kuala Lumpur & Darwin-Bali: From 28 April 2026, AirAsia will suspend flights for these routes

A growing network connecting Australia to the world 

AirAsia now serves four major Australian gateways, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, and Adelaide, with a committed pipeline to develop further connectivity. Carrying close to 1 million guests between Australia and Asia annually, AirAsia operated 69x total weekly frequencies across these hubs in 2025. In 2026, the airline plans to strengthen its footprint in Australia, with up to 100x total weekly frequencies during the peak holiday seasons, reflecting the airline's confidence in sustained demand from Australian travellers.

Additionally, AirAsia will launch its inaugural Melbourne to Bali route on 20 March 2026, with the first flight arriving in Melbourne on 21 March 2026, adding 130,000 seats and expanding choice for Victorian travellers. 

Through AirAsia’s convenient Fly-Thru product, the airline offers travellers seamless access to its extensive network of more than 150 destinations. With Australia among the top three Fly-Thru origin points for AirAsia, guests travelling from Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth to Bali can connect seamlessly onwards to major destinations across the AirAsia network including Da Nang, Phuket, Bangkok, and Singapore. Travellers flying from Melbourne, Sydney and Perth to Kuala Lumpur can connect onwards to destinations including London, Istanbul, Cebu, Tashkent and Osaka, without the need to collect their baggage, placing Australia at the heart of one of the world’s most extensive low-cost networks. 

AirAsia’s commitment in South Australia also expands beyond network connectivity, coming onboard as a Adelaide Fringe Festival Partner and sponsor of the Midweek Treat tickets. The AirAsia Midweek Treat tickets are available on Wednesdays throughout the festival, offering discounted access to a wide range of Fringe performances. This encourages locals and visitors alike to explore more of the festival while supporting artists on the traditionally quieter days.

Amanda Woo, Chief Commercial Officer of AirAsia X, said the network enhancements reflect the airline's long-term commitment to Australia and its travellers. "Australia is an incredibly important market for AirAsia, and we are continuing to strengthen our network in a disciplined way, utilising our aircraft for popular and high-capacity routes where there is increasing demand.” 

"The scale of what we are building in Australia is significant. We are not just adding seats, we are giving Australians genuinely affordable access to Asia and the world, from four major cities, with more to come. We understand that the suspension of our Darwin routes impacts travel plans and we apologise for any inconvenience caused. The capacity will be redeployed to other Australian destinations, further strengthening AirAsia's commitment to the market." Ms Woo added.

Darwin operational update

AirAsia has made the difficult decision to suspend flights between Darwin and Kuala Lumpur and Darwin and Bali from 28 April 2026. The routes are operated by AirAsia Malaysia (AK) and Indonesia AirAsia (QZ) - two airlines within the broader AirAsia Group since June 2025 and March 2025, respectively. Despite operating the routes for close to 12 months in the hope that demand would grow to a sustainable level, passenger numbers have remained commercially unsustainable. 

The airline's teams are contacting affected customers directly, with refunds to be received within 14 days^. Guests can monitor their refund progress through the AirAsia MOVE app once they receive a case number.

AirAsia acknowledges and thanks Darwin Airport and the Northern Territory Tourism Board for their support and collaborative approach throughout this period. This decision was reached in a spirit of transparency and mutual respect, and AirAsia remains open to returning to Darwin should market conditions change. 

*** ENDS ***

^ AirAsia will complete all the required steps to process a guest’s refund, however in some instances, funds may take longer than 14 days to be received. Guests are encouraged to contact their financial institution with any questions. 

* Capacity will increase to 10 x weekly between 23 March 2026 and 30 April 2026.

Sally-Anne Kahl -Sydney