Malaysia Airlines has announced a major expansion of its Sydney services, adding a third daily service between Sydney and Kuala Lumpur from October 2025.

The increase will bring the airline’s total capacity on the route to more than 630,000 seats annually - the highest for any Australian airport.

The expansion follows the recent increase in air rights between Australia and Malaysia, with the previous cap of 36,000 weekly seats for Malaysian carriers flying into major Australian cities rising to 50,000 seats in November 2024. Unlimited passenger capacity between the two countries will commence in 2026, further unlocking growth opportunities.

The addition of Malaysia Airlines' third daily service contributes to the more than two million extra seats that have been introduced at Sydney Airport over the past 12 months across 20 airlines, representing a 30 per cent increase from February 2024.

Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said: “Congratulations to Malaysia Airlines for capitalising on the expanded air rights and boosting capacity on this important route.

“Malaysia Airlines is one of our most iconic airline partners - our relationship dates back to 1974 and we look forward to continuing to grow together in the future.

“We also thank the Australian Government for their efforts in expanding air traffic rights between Australia and Malaysia. It’s fantastic to see an immediate increase in capacity as a direct result of these efforts.

“Sydney Airport has experienced strong international growth over the past year, reinforcing our position as the leading choice for new airline capacity into Australia and cementing our status as the nation’s gateway.

“With around a third of our total slot pool still available, we are open for business and ready to accommodate any airline looking to expand”.

The Hon. Catherine King MP Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government said: “In 2023, over 175,000 Malaysian tourists travelled to Australia, and in 2025, we’re expecting that number to grow with the support of this increase in capacity.

“The Albanese Labor Government has signed a record number of bilateral air service agreements during our term, and we’re thrilled to see Sydney Airport turning them into a reality – with Türkiye, Hong Kong, and now Malaysia.

“Whether travelling to Kuala Lumpur or using it as a stepping stone to the rest of the world, this new air right represents a stronger connection with our global market – for travel, trade and tourism.”

Malaysian Airlines said the additional services to Sydney Airport would meet increasing demand from both leisure and business travellers.

The airline will also be introducing the new A330neo fleet on selected Australian and New Zealand routes, which it said would offer enhanced passenger comfort, fuel efficiency, and cutting-edge cabin features.

Malaysia Aviation Group’s Datuk Captain Izham Ismail said: “We are proud to strengthen our presence with additional flights and the deployment of our new Airbus A330neo aircraft.’’

Malaysia Aviation Group chief commercial officer Dersenish Aresandiran (pictured below) told Travel Weekly the focus on Australia was being driven by demand from Europe and South Asia.

“Demand is booming and every airline out there is putting in capacity. We have got corporate travel, moving, leisure and premium leisure. The challenge now is our supply chain because we want to put in more flights across Australia. What we see is a first mover advantage and we have to get into the market much faster.

“Definitely, we could do more. So as more new aircraft come in, I think Australia, Europe, South Asia, these are the places that we want to focus and then feed into ASEAN, that’s where our regional hub is as well.”