AirAsia is expanding its fifth-freedom strategy with a new Kaohsiung-Osaka route, operated as part of its Kuala Lumpur-Kaohsiung service, marking the next phase of the airline’s North Asia network growth.
The new route, starting from June 15, 2026, will operate daily between Kaohsiung and Osaka in addition to the existing Kuala Lumpur-Kaohsiung service.
The move builds on the success of AirAsia’s first fifth-freedom route launched last year from Kota Kinabalu to Fukuoka via Taipei, which recorded an average passenger load factor exceeding 90%.
Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra, General Manager of AirAsia Malaysia, said, “The strong demand for our first fifth-freedom route between Taipei and Fukuoka last year is a clear testament to the success of this strategy, with an average passenger load factor of over 90 per cent since the service commenced.”
The captain added, “Building on this momentum, we are now introducing the new Kaohsiung-Osaka route as part of our ongoing network expansion, where we strengthen existing routes while unlocking new market opportunities.”
The new service aims to enhance connectivity between Taiwan and Japan while leveraging Kuala Lumpur as a key hub in the airline’s broader network.
It is expected to support growing travel demand across the two markets and offer passengers more seamless options across multiple destinations.
To mark the launch, AirAsia is offering promotional fares from TWD2,690 one-way from Kaohsiung to Osaka and JPY11,990 one-way from Osaka to Kaohsiung.
Bookings are available until Feb 25, 2026, for travel between June 15, 2026, and Oct 24, 2026, via the AirAsia MOVE app and the website.
Related
AloJapan.com