Malaysia Airlines will resume weekly flights to Adelaide in July
Days after Singapore Airlines resumed passenger flights from Adelaide, it can be revealed another major carrier will start services within weeks.
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Malaysia Airlines will resume flights between Adelaide and Kuala Lumpur early next month.
The second airline to resume passenger services from Adelaide to key Asian markets, Malaysia’s renewed Adelaide link is likely to eventually open a pathway for students and longer-term visitors.
In the short term, fresh markets will be opened for lucrative seafood and other produce exports.
Adelaide Airport confirmed the Malaysia service would start from July 4, arriving at 7am and departing at 9pm, then reverting to a morning departure from August.
Malaysia, which in 2005 was the first international airline to fly into Adelaide’s then-new terminal, is the second international airline to resume flights during the coronavirus pandemic, following Singapore Airlines reopening services this week.
“Malaysia Airlines has been a strong supporter of the Adelaide market for many years. The new service also opens up further opportunities for our exporters who can place freight, such as fresh seafood and produce, in the belly of passenger services to reach key Asian markets,” an Adelaide Airport spokesman said.
Federal Tourism Minister and South Australian Senator Simon Birmingham suggested the passenger flight’s resumption eventually would welcome long-term visitors, creating the potential to bring overseas students back to Australian universities.
“Malaysia Airlines has a long and proud history of flying directly into Adelaide and I am delighted to see them showing such deep commitment to those ties,” he said.
“While international travel restrictions remain an important line of protection for Australia against COVID-19, these flights will be a real boon for our exporters who need to send freight, they will help any returning Australians and may eventually provide a pathway for longer stay visitors who can comply with 14-day quarantine requirements.”
Australia’s borders are closed because of the pandemic and only Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members can enter the country. All arrivals must quarantine for 14 days.
Premiers and chief ministers today will be told at National Cabinet to set a date for when state and territory borders reopen.
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