British Airways returns to Kuala Lumpur after four-year hiatus

British Airways (BA) has officially resumed its direct flights between London Heathrow and Kuala Lumpur, marking the end of a nearly four-year suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The first flight, BA33, departed London at 9.10 pm local time on April 1 and arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 5.20 pm the following day. Passengers onboard the inaugural flight were welcomed with special gifts and goodie bags upon arrival.

The return of BA to Malaysia underscores its commitment to strengthening air connectivity between the UK and Southeast Asia. The airline will operate daily flights using its Boeing 787-9 fleet, offering four cabin classes—World Traveller (economy), World Traveller Plus (premium economy), Club World (business), and First. Ticket prices start at £574 (approximately MYR 3,667), with bookings available on BA’s website and ticketing platforms.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke, who attended the welcoming ceremony at KLIA alongside Acting British High Commissioner to Malaysia David Wallace and senior representatives from Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), Tourism Malaysia, and British Airways, hailed the resumption as a strategic boost for Malaysia’s tourism and aviation sectors.

“The return of British Airways strengthens our connectivity with the United Kingdom, one of our key trade and tourism partners, and contributes to the growth of our aviation sector,” Loke said. “This renewed connection comes at a strategic time as we prepare for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. The government has set a target of attracting 35.6 million foreign tourists, and air connectivity is critical to achieving this goal.”

Tourism and trade set for a boost

BA’s return to Kuala Lumpur is expected to enhance Malaysia’s tourism appeal, particularly for UK travellers seeking direct access to the country’s attractions. The resumption of this route also coincides with Malaysia’s broader strategy to attract international airlines and position KLIA as a leading regional aviation hub.

In addition to tourism, the reinstated route offers new opportunities for trade and investment. The UK and Malaysia have strong economic ties, and the direct flight is set to facilitate easier business travel and economic engagements. Loke highlighted the potential for deeper collaboration under trade agreements such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

“Beyond tourism, this route also presents opportunities for trade and investment. With trade agreements like the CPTPP in place, we anticipate stronger business engagements between our nations, fostering closer ties and unlocking new economic opportunities,” he said.

Expanded codeshare partnership with Malaysia Airlines

British Airways has also broadened its codeshare agreement with Malaysia Airlines, offering seamless connections to over 17 destinations from Kuala Lumpur. This expanded partnership allows passengers to book onward flights to Australia, New Zealand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam on a single ticket.

Additionally, Malaysia Airlines has extended its codeshare agreement with BA to include four new US routes—Boston, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and Portland—providing Malaysian travellers more options when flying to North America.

British Airways history with Kuala Lumpur

BA first discontinued its London-Kuala Lumpur route in 2001 before reinstating it in 2015. The service was once again suspended in 2021 due to the pandemic, making this latest resumption a much-anticipated return for the airline. The relaunch was initially scheduled for November 2024 but was delayed to April 2025 due to maintenance issues with BA’s Boeing 787 fleet.

With daily flights now in operation, British Airways joins Malaysia Airlines in offering direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and London Heathrow, a journey that takes approximately 13 hours.

For travellers, Kuala Lumpur remains an attractive destination, offering a mix of modern skyscrapers and historical architecture. British Airways has highlighted the city’s top attractions, including the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, Little India, Chinatown, and Batu Caves.

As BA reestablishes its presence in Malaysia, industry experts believe the airline’s commitment to the route will play a crucial role in strengthening the country’s tourism and aviation sectors ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.