Travel Guides & Articles
Malaysia Airlines Expands Connectivity Between Malaysia and India, Introducing Fifth Weekly Flight on Popular Kuala Lumpur-Trivandrum Route Amid Growing Demand for Travel

Monday, July 28, 2025
Malaysia Airlines is boosting its services between Kuala Lumpur and Trivandrum by adding a fifth weekly flight starting September 12, 2025. This expansion comes in response to the growing demand for travel between Malaysia and India, with the route’s increasing popularity among both business and leisure travelers. The move underscores Malaysia Airlines’ commitment to strengthening its connectivity and offering greater flexibility to passengers.
In a bid to further enhance its presence in the Indian market, Malaysia Airlines has announced the expansion of its services between Kuala Lumpur and Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram) in Kerala, South India. The airline will introduce a fifth weekly flight on this route, set to begin on September 12, 2025. This move reflects the growing demand for air travel between the two regions, driven by a robust increase in passenger numbers and favorable load factors. Looking ahead, Malaysia Airlines plans to ramp up the frequency to daily flights starting December 1, 2025.
The Kuala Lumpur–Trivandrum route has been part of Malaysia Airlines’ strategic expansion into India, a market that continues to show promise for both leisure and business travel. Initially launched in November 2023, the service began with two weekly flights. However, due to the encouraging demand, the airline quickly responded by expanding the service to four weekly flights in April 2024. The recent announcement to further increase the frequency highlights Malaysia Airlines’ commitment to enhancing connectivity between Malaysia and India and offering more flexibility for passengers.
Strategic Expansion to Meet Growing Demand
The decision to increase flight frequency comes as part of Malaysia Airlines’ broader strategy to cater to the strong and consistent growth in travel demand between the two countries. The airline recognizes India as a crucial market for its long-term success, especially in the context of the post-pandemic recovery phase, which has seen a surge in air travel demand across Asia.
Dersenish Aresandiran, the Chief Commercial Officer of Malaysia Aviation Group, emphasized the significance of the Indian market, noting that the airline’s expansion into South India reflects the ongoing rise in travel demand. He mentioned that Malaysia Airlines is committed to providing more options and convenience for both business and leisure travelers, offering a competitive and comfortable travel experience that meets the evolving needs of passengers.
Currently, Malaysia Airlines operates 77 weekly flights to 10 major cities in India, including key destinations such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, and Trivandrum. The addition of the fifth weekly flight to Trivandrum is part of a broader effort to increase the total number of weekly flights to India. By December 2025, the airline will operate 80 weekly flights to various Indian cities, further strengthening its footprint in the region.
Enhancing Connectivity Between Malaysia and India
The enhanced frequency between Kuala Lumpur and Trivandrum will not only offer more flexibility for travelers but also bolster the already strong economic, cultural, and tourism ties between Malaysia and India. Kerala, known for its picturesque backwaters, lush greenery, and vibrant cultural heritage, continues to be a major attraction for both leisure tourists and business travelers. The new services are expected to further open up opportunities for Malaysian businesses and entrepreneurs seeking to tap into India’s rapidly expanding markets.
In addition to providing increased convenience for travelers, Malaysia Airlines’ move aligns with the growing demand for better connectivity between Southeast Asia and South India. The airline’s decision to offer more flights to Trivandrum comes at a time when the demand for air travel in South India is witnessing a notable surge, with increasing numbers of people traveling for tourism, education, and business. The airline’s strategic expansion aims to provide an enhanced experience for passengers traveling between the two countries.
Focus on Business and Leisure Travelers
The route between Kuala Lumpur and Trivandrum has already established itself as a popular option for both business and leisure travelers. Malaysia Airlines understands the importance of catering to these two distinct market segments. Business travelers will benefit from increased flight options, allowing them to schedule meetings and conferences more conveniently. Meanwhile, leisure travelers seeking to explore the rich cultural and natural beauty of Kerala will have more flexibility to travel at their preferred times.
In addition to serving the needs of travelers heading to Kerala, the expanded service also offers a seamless connection for passengers traveling to other destinations in Southeast Asia and beyond. Kuala Lumpur’s strategic location as a regional hub provides easy access to destinations in Malaysia, as well as other countries in the region, such as Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia.
A Long-Term Commitment to the Indian Market
Malaysia Airlines’ expansion into South India underscores its long-term commitment to the Indian market, which remains one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world. The airline’s efforts are aimed not only at enhancing connectivity but also at offering superior services that cater to the diverse needs of travelers. From the introduction of new routes to the increasing frequency of existing services, Malaysia Airlines is determined to remain a key player in connecting the people of Malaysia and India.
With the expansion to daily flights in December 2025, Malaysia Airlines will be able to meet the evolving needs of passengers while continuing to foster stronger bilateral ties between the two nations. As the airline continues to invest in its operations and services, passengers can expect even greater convenience, comfort, and flexibility when traveling between Malaysia and India. The airline’s continued growth and commitment to the region make it a valuable asset for travelers seeking reliable and high-quality service.
Malaysia Airlines is expanding its Kuala Lumpur-Trivandrum route by adding a fifth weekly flight starting September 12, 2025. The decision comes as a result of increasing demand for travel between Malaysia and India. This move aims to provide more flexibility and improved connectivity for both business and leisure travelers.
Malaysia Airlines’ decision to expand its services between Kuala Lumpur and Trivandrum marks an important milestone in its efforts to strengthen its presence in India. With the addition of a fifth weekly flight in September 2025 and the move to daily flights in December, the airline is poised to offer more flexibility, convenience, and connectivity to travelers between the two countries. This strategic expansion demonstrates Malaysia Airlines’ commitment to meeting the growing demand for air travel while enhancing its position as a key player in the Indian market.
Travel Guides & Articles
Multiple Landslides Disrupt Traffic and Prompt Travel Advisory

KOHIMA- Heavy monsoon rains lashed Nagaland on Sunday, triggering multiple landslides that disrupted traffic along both National Highway-29 (NH-29) and alternative routes, prompting authorities to issue an urgent travel advisory. While no casualties have been reported, officials have cautioned residents and travelers to remain alert as the state braces for more rain in the coming days.
In Peren district, Deputy Commissioner’s office issued a public advisory warning of several landslides along the Mhainamtsi–Pimla road, an alternate route frequently used when NH-29 is blocked. Authorities confirmed that the road is currently impassable, with debris and unstable slopes posing risks of further slides.
Meanwhile, flooding from the Chathe River triggered a major landslide near Pherima village on NH-29, the crucial highway connecting state capital Kohima to the commercial hub of Dimapur. Videos shared on social media showed massive debris covering the highway, stranding vehicles and halting movement of goods.
Emergency teams, including the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), have been deployed for clearance and restoration work. Officials recalled that this stretch witnessed a deadly landslide in September 2024, which claimed six lives, underscoring the chronic vulnerability of the route.
The Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) reiterated its warnings about landslide-prone zones in the state, urging people to avoid travel on unsafe stretches, monitor official updates, and remain vigilant in hillside villages. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued heavy showers for the next 48 hours, raising the risk of further landslides and flash floods.
Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s office assured that state resources have been mobilized, and local communities will receive support. Residents in vulnerable areas have been asked to follow NSDMA’s safety guidelines, including avoiding steep slopes, watching for unusual cracks or ground movement, and preparing for possible evacuations.
Travel Guides & Articles
Calling all thirsty Joburg agents!

Travel agents and ITCs – you are invited to the last Travel News Thirsty event of the year!
No speeches, no presentations. Just networking.
Come join us in Sandton on Wednesday, October 23, from 17h00 to 19h00.
If you are a travel agent, please email rsvp@travelnews.co.za with ‘Thirsty’ in the subject line. Attendance is by invitation only, so it’s essential to RSVP and receive confirmation.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Travel Guides & Articles
India’s next travel boom to come from tier-2 cities as Cox and Kings shifts focus from metros

With rising incomes, greater connectivity, and younger populations eager to travel abroad, towns such as Jaipur, Indore, Faridabad, and Dharamshala are seeing a surge in families planning their first international holidays. Social media influence and financing options like ‘buy now, pay later’ have further fuelled this trend, making overseas travel both aspirational and attainable.
To tap into this demand, Cox & Kings has launched new franchise outlets in Faridabad, Gurgaon, Dharamshala, Agra and Ahmedabad, with plans to expand to 200 outlets in the coming years. The company expects the upcoming festive and holiday season to accelerate this momentum as families increasingly choose international vacations over traditional domestic trips.
Also read | Shashi Tharoor says need to change perception of India not being safe for women tourists
“Tier-2 and Tier-3 India is no longer a silent segment; it is the growth engine of tomorrow’s travel market. At Cox & Kings, we are combining our 265-year legacy with modern travel expectations to serve these new-age customers. Our franchise-first approach allows us to bring curated experiences closer to their doorstep, while ensuring the reliability and trust the brand is known for,” said Karan Agarwal, Director of Cox & Kings.
Industry data supports this growing shift. Around 8.7% of India’s population holds a valid passport, and in July 2025 alone, over 1.24 million passports were issued. By the end of the year, the figure is expected to surpass 14.5 million.
First-time international visa applications rose 32% over the past year, with more than half originating from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. New airports, direct international routes from smaller cities, and the influence of digital content are driving this surge, with Dubai, Thailand and Singapore topping the list of destinations for first-time travellers.
Also read | How tourism in India’s land of blue mountains will get a boost soon
Cox & Kings is pursuing a phygital model, blending physical outlets with digital platforms to support first-time travellers seeking premium experiences. Whether it is destination weddings, family anniversaries, or solo adventures, demand from India’s smaller towns is reshaping the country’s outbound tourism, with the company projecting that in five years, Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities will outpace metros in producing first-time international tourists.
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