India is Malaysia Airlines’ top market, but carrier rules out domestic JV

“You don’t splash money to buy aeroplanes. You invest where it matters most — our customer,” he said.

India has emerged as the top revenue-generating market for Malaysia Airlines, which currently operates 77 flights a week to and from 10 Indian cities. By the end of this year, that number will rise to 80 flights per week, Group Managing Director of Malaysia Aviation Group, Izham bin Ismail, told PTI.

In the first half of 2025 alone, the airline carried 1.3 million passengers on India-bound and outbound routes, accounting for 11% of total revenue and 20 percent of passenger volumes.

No domestic JV, focus on partnerships

Despite India’s importance, Ismail said the carrier will continue to operate as a foreign airline rather than forming a joint venture or setting up a domestic subsidiary, a path taken by some other Southeast Asian carriers.

“Why should I go to somebody’s home and create havoc? I would rather visit you from time to time… We believe in deep partnerships,” he told PTI, adding that IndiGo remains Malaysia Airlines’ strongest Indian partner, with additional collaborations with Air India.

Connectivity to Australia, New Zealand, China

Malaysia Airlines is particularly strong in connecting Indian travellers to Australia and New Zealand and offers connections to China via its Kuala Lumpur hub, filling a gap where no direct India-China flights exist.

India’s economic growth fuels optimism

Calling India a “really interesting market,” Ismail cited the country’s 6.5 percent GDP growth, a 40 percent urbanisation rate, and rising middle-class incomes as key drivers. With nearly 100 airports and a population of 1.4 billion, he said the airline wants to be accepted as one of India’s “core service providers” for global connectivity.

Strategy: More frequency, not more destinations (for now)

Malaysia Airlines will not add new Indian destinations in 2025 but is evaluating options like Jaipur for 2026–27. The immediate focus, Ismail said, is on increasing seat capacity and frequency, which he views as a product in itself alongside food, in-flight entertainment, and cabin experience.

Customer experience over fleet splurge

Ismail said the airline’s investment priorities balance fleet acquisition with upgrades to customer experience, from food and cabin services to in-flight entertainment.

“You don’t splash money to buy aeroplanes. You invest where it matters most, our customer,” he told PTI.