≡-Japan, Taiwan, And Malaysia See Boost In Cross-Border Travel As AirAsia Unveils Direct Kota Kinabalu–Fukuoka Route With Taipei Stopover – Viral of Today

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Home » TOURISM NEWS » Japan, Taiwan, And Malaysia See Boost In Cross-Border Travel As AirAsia Unveils Direct Kota Kinabalu–Fukuoka Route With Taipei Stopover Friday, June 6, 2025Japan, Taiwan, and Malaysia are seeing a major boost in cross-border travel thanks to AirAsia’s launch of a new direct fifth-freedom route linking Kota Kinabalu to Fukuoka with a stopover in Taipei, offering travelers a seamless and cost-effective way to explore three countries on one itinerary. The new daily service, set to begin on August 15, 2025, not only enhances regional connectivity but also positions Kota Kinabalu as a rising international hub, gives Taipei a stronger role as a transit gateway, and provides Fukuoka with increased access to Southeast Asian travelers, making this route a strategic win for tourism and air traffic across Asia.AirAsia Malaysia is gearing up to launch a brand-new international route that links three exciting destinations—Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia, Taipei in Taiwan, and Fukuoka in Japan. Starting August 15, 2025, the airline will operate a daily fifth-freedom flight, offering travelers a seamless journey across Southeast and Northeast Asia with one booking.This new service positions Kota Kinabalu as a rising international hub and gives travelers greater access to both Taiwan and Japan without needing to fly through the capital city. By adding this strategic route to its growing network, AirAsia continues to reshape regional connectivity in Asia through affordable and convenient air travel.A fifth-freedom route allows an airline to carry passengers between two countries that are not the airline’s home base, as long as the flight begins or ends in its own country. In this case, passengers can fly from Malaysia to Japan with a stop in Taiwan, or vice versa, all on one AirAsia-operated service. This gives travelers more flexibility while also increasing flight options for business trips, family visits, and vacations.The new Kota Kinabalu–Taipei–Fukuoka service complements existing AirAsia routes and provides an alternative to current Fukuoka-bound services that require stopovers in other cities like Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok. Now, passengers departing from East Malaysia can fly to southern Japan without backtracking or lengthy layovers.Full Flight Schedule and TimingsThe schedule has been designed to offer easy daytime connections:Flight AK1510 departs from Kota Kinabalu at 7:40 AM and arrives in Taipei at 10:55 AM.The same flight continues from Taipei at 11:55 AM, landing in Fukuoka at 3:15 PM.Flight AK1511 returns from Fukuoka at 5:00 PM and lands in Taipei at 6:30 PM.It then departs Taipei again at 7:15 PM, arriving back in Kota Kinabalu by 10:50 PM.With these timings, travelers avoid overnight stays, making it ideal for weekend trips or short business travel. This route is particularly beneficial for travelers looking to explore multiple destinations in one trip or those seeking efficient point-to-point service without detours.Special Launch Fares and Booking PeriodTo celebrate the launch, AirAsia is offering limited-time promotional fares starting from MYR 609 for one-way travel from Kota Kinabalu to Fukuoka. Passengers flying in the opposite direction can book fares from MYR 633. These all-inclusive rates cover taxes and fees and are available for booking until June 8, 2025.Travelers can secure these special fares for flights scheduled between August 15, 2025, and March 29, 2026, through the AirAsia MOVE app or the airline’s official website.With affordable pricing and direct routing, this new service is expected to attract a wide range of travelers—from backpackers and adventure seekers to families and working professionals.Destination HighlightsFukuoka, located on the northern shore of Kyushu Island in Japan, is one of the country’s most vibrant and welcoming cities. Its coastal setting on Hakata Bay offers scenic beauty, while its compact layout makes it easy to explore on foot. Fukuoka is famous for its historical landmarks, bustling street food culture, and friendly atmosphere. Travelers often visit Ohori Park, Kushida Shrine, and the city’s iconic yatai food stalls, where steaming bowls of tonkotsu ramen are served streetside.Taipei, the capital city of Taiwan, adds a rich cultural and culinary stop to this route. Known for its combination of traditional Chinese heritage and modern urban flair, Taipei has become a favorite among travelers across Asia. Its night markets, hot springs, mountain trails, and temple complexes make it more than just a transit city—it’s a destination in its own right. For travelers flying through Taipei, even a brief layover can turn into a memorable experience.Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Malaysia’s Sabah state on the island of Borneo, has long been known for its natural wonders and cultural diversity. From the towering heights of Mount Kinabalu to the coral reefs of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, the city offers access to world-class nature and adventure. Kota Kinabalu is also home to a rich mix of ethnic communities, which adds to its vibrant culture, cuisine, and festivals.This new international route strengthens Kota Kinabalu’s role as a gateway for global travelers while boosting its profile as a competitive hub for tourism and trade in Malaysia.Boosting Regional Air ConnectivityBy introducing this fifth-freedom flight, AirAsia is responding to growing demand for direct, efficient, and cost-effective travel options across Asia. The route allows passengers to skip unnecessary stopovers and access major cities on a single flight itinerary. This not only saves time but also encourages multi-country tourism by simplifying travel logistics.With more people looking for diverse travel experiences and easy connections, airlines are racing to establish regional routes that meet evolving traveler needs. AirAsia’s move reflects a larger trend in the industry, where low-cost carriers are closing gaps in secondary and emerging city links. The new route also supports tourism growth in all three destinations by making them more accessible to international visitors.The combination of affordability, convenience, and strategic scheduling positions this route as a game-changer for travelers in the region. Whether flying for leisure, business, or cultural exploration, passengers now have a new and efficient way to move between Malaysia, Taiwan, and Japan.AirAsia’s new daily route from Malaysia’s Kota Kinabalu to Japan’s Fukuoka via Taiwan’s Taipei is driving a surge in cross-border travel by offering a seamless, multi-country connection that strengthens tourism and regional air access across all three nations.As demand for travel continues to grow in the post-pandemic landscape, routes like this will become key pillars of aviation recovery and tourism development in Asia.

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