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AirAsia expands fifth-freedom routes, adds Kaohsiung-Osaka

February 10, 20263 minute read
Castles & Palaces,MATF2018,Kaohsiung-Osaka

Although AirAsia is a point-to-point carrier, the airline is accelerating AirAsia Malaysia’s (flight code AK) fifth-freedom expansion strategy, introducing a new Kaohsiung-Osaka route, operated as part of its Kuala Lumpur-Kaohsiung service, marking the next phase of the airline’s network growth across North Asia. This new service builds on the success of their first fifth-freedom route launched last year, flying from Kota Kinabalu to Fukuoka via Taipei. AirAsia continues to scale this strategy by expanding beyond traditional point-to-point routes and creating new connectivity opportunities across its network. The addition of this Kaohsiung in Taiwan and Osaka in Japan route strengthens connectivity between Taiwan and Japan while leveraging Kuala Lumpur as a key origin hub within the airline’s broader network.

Promo fares Kaohsiung-Osaka on offer

AirAsia will operate the new route daily, connecting Kaohsiung to Osaka  from 15th June 2026. This is in addition to the existing Kuala Lumpur to Kaohsiung route. The new fifth-freedom sector enhances the airline’s presence in North Asia and supports growing demand for travel between Taiwan and Japan, while offering guests with more seamless travel options across multiple markets through AirAsia’s robust network.

To commemorate the launch, AirAsia is offering special promotional all-in one way fares for flights from Kaohsiung flying to Osaka starting TWD2,690* with all-in one way flights from Osaka to Kaohsiung are available from JPY11,990* . Bookings are available from the AirAsia website and Move App, until 15th February 2026, for travel between 15th June 2026 and 24th October 2026, available on the AirAsia MOVE app and airasia.com. *All-in fares are quoted for one-way travel only, including passenger service charge, regulatory service charges, fuel surcharges, and other applicable fees. Terms and conditions apply.

…. 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. 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.Captain Fareh Mazputra, AirAsia Malaysia General Manager

Flight Schedule (KHH) – (KIX):

Route Flight No Departure Arrival Days of Service
Kuala Lumpur – Kaohsiung AK 170 02:55 (2.55am) 07:30 (7.30am) Daily
Kaohsiung – Osaka 08:30 (8.30am) 12:40 (12.40pm)
Osaka  – Kaohsiung AK 171 13:45 (1.45pm) 16:00 (4pm)
Kaohsiung  – Kuala Lumpur 17:00 (5pm) 21:25 (9.25pm)

All times are local

Osaka is one of Japan’s most dynamic cities, offering visitors a vibrant street food culture, rich history and modern urban energy and as a major commercial and tourism hub, the city is attractive to both leisure and business travellers from across Asia. The new  service between Kaohsiung and Osaka further strengthens tourism and travel opportunities between Taiwan and Japan, supporting growing two-way demand between the two destinations. It also offers travellers an opportunity to explore two cities easily in the same trip.

# AirAsia, New Route
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