AirAsia Malaysia (flight code AK) has unveiled plans to resume flights between Kuala Lumpur and Phuket, Thailand

Beginning 5 November, the airline will operate the traditionally busy route with four flights per week.

“Following the huge success of the Langkawi travel bubble in Malaysia, the reopening of the Phuket Sandbox programme to travellers from Malaysia is indeed a big milestone as it signifies the much awaited opening of international leisure travel to Thailand. AirAsia is thrilled to support this programme and we look forward to mounting more flights on this highly popular leisure route,” said Riad Asmat, CEO AirAsia Malaysia. “Since the recent launch of the Langkawi travel bubble and resumption of interstate travel in Malaysia, we have sold over 1 million domestic seats. We also registered high load factors and strong forward bookings, signaling a strong rebound in leisure travel.”

Fully vaccinated travellers from Malaysia who wish to travel under the Phuket Sandbox Program must meet the requirements set by the Thai Government and successfully receive the Certificate of Entry by applying on Thailand’s Certificate of Entry Registration System prior to purchasing their flights.

Mrs Nongyao Jirundorn, Director for Malaysia & Brunei, Tourism Authority of Thailand , said, “Thailand is currently working hard on its reopening borders. Currently, Malaysians who have completed their vaccination doses can visit Phuket & Samui without quarantine. Thailand is Malaysia's No.1 favourite holiday destination and we look forward to welcoming Malaysians with more cities opening up soon.”

All Air Asia passengers must be fully vaccinated and check-in has to be done via the airasia Super App that integrates with vaccination records on MySejahtera. The airline also plans to launch a facial recognition boarding system that will make the entire journey fully digital and contactless.

All AirAsia Malaysia pilots and cabin crew are fully vaccinated and have been sent on regular refresher and retraining courses.