Malaysia Airlines resumes flights between Kuala Lumpur and Paris after nine-year hiatus

Historically, Malaysia Airlines has reduced its presence in Europe significantly. Between 2004 and 2024, it ceased operations at several airports including Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Manchester, Rome Fiumicino, Stockholm Arlanda, Vienna, and Zurich. From 2017 to 2024, London Heathrow was its sole European destination.

In terms of capacity to Europe in 2025 with the relaunch of Paris flights: "It will have 579,000 roundtrip European seats for sale," marking an increase from previous years but still just representing "4.5% of its international capacity." In contrast, back in 2005 when it flew to ten European airports: "The region accounted for 15.3% of its international operation."

Financially troubled over recent years due to events like MH370 and MH17 disasters which impacted brand perception and confidence negatively: "Malaysia Airlines has long suffered financially." It faces strong competition from other airlines such as Emirates and Qatar Airways that offer connections through their hubs reducing fares considerably making profitability challenging especially given high operating costs traditionally associated with long-haul routes.

Booking data indicates that approximately "86% of all Kuala Lumpur-Europe passengers flew via a hub last year," highlighting competitive pressures faced by Malaysia Airlines within this market segment.