Malaysia Airlines has marked a major milestone with the successful launch of its direct service from Kuala Lumpur to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), reconnecting Malaysia with the French capital for the first time in years. Flight MH22 departed Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 23:45 local time on 22 March and arrived in Paris at 06:40 local time the following morning.
Strong demand drives route restart
The inaugural flights received an overwhelming response, with outbound and return sectors reaching load factors of 95 per cent and 98 per cent respectively. Malaysia Airlines will initially operate four flights per week until 27 March, before moving to daily services from 29 March 2025.
To celebrate the route’s resumption, passengers departing from Kuala Lumpur were treated to a festive send-off and commemorative goodie bags at the departure gate. Representatives from Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), including Group CFO Boo Hui Yee and Chief Commercial Officer Dersenish Aresandiran, were present to mark the occasion.
A new chapter in European expansion
The new route is Malaysia Airlines’ 68th destination and is part of its broader strategy to grow its European network. ‘This route not only strengthens our position as the gateway to Asia and beyond but also reflects the growing demand for seamless travel between Malaysia and France,’ said Aresandiran.
To build anticipation ahead of the launch, the airline introduced its Time for Paris campaign in 2024, and has now unveiled the first in a series of curated city guides—the Time for Memorable Journeys Pocketbook. The Paris edition includes local tips, useful phrases, etiquette advice and dining insights to help travellers immerse themselves in French culture.
Expanded connectivity to the US and beyond
The Paris return also strengthens Malaysia Airlines’ transatlantic offering, thanks to its long-standing partnership with American Airlines. Travellers flying into CDG can now access additional onward connections to key US cities including New York, Dallas, Miami and Orlando.
The return to Paris highlights Malaysia Airlines’ ongoing commitment to enhancing global connectivity, with an emphasis on combining convenience, cultural immersion, and its signature Malaysian Hospitality.
