SEPANG: Lufthansa has returned to Kuala Lumpur after nearly a decade, restoring nonstop flights to Frankfurt with plans to increase the service to daily from the summer 2027 schedule.
The German carrier operates five flights a week using a 287-seat Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner equipped with its Allegris cabin, offering business, premium economy and economy classes.
Lufthansa Group senior vice president global sales Frank Naeve said the service reconnects two important cities and regions, creating opportunities for business and trade between Malaysia, Germany and Europe.
"With this new service, we are once again connecting two important cities and regions directly with each other."
"But a new route is much more than just connecting two points on a map. It very much follows the purpose of the Lufthansa Group, which is to connect people, cultures, and economies in a sustainable way," he said at Lufthansa's inaugural flight's arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 today.
Naeve said Lufthansa will increase the frequency to daily flights starting next year's summer schedule.
"Initially, we have five services per week, but already today we have announced that we will operate daily services from the summer schedule 2027.
"So that very much reflects our commitment to this market and to connecting the two countries," he said.
He added that the route also strengthens Malaysia's air freight connectivity through Lufthansa Cargo, supporting trade flows between Europe, Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
"Let me also say one additional thing, the cargo contribution to these passenger services is extremely important in order to secure the economics.
"So that's why we're looking forward to a strong commitment also here in Kuala Lumpur for the cargo that we transport on these flights," he said.
Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani said Lufthansa's return follows sustained collaboration between the airport operator and the airline.
He said the direct connection carries economic significance for Malaysia.
"Germany is Malaysia's largest trading partner in the European Union, with extensive investments across various industries," he said.
Mohd Izani said the route also supports high-value exports by linking Malaysia's manufacturing hubs with Europe.
"This milestone represents close alignment across our government and industry," he said.
According to MAHB, Lufthansa's return brings KLIA's direct European network to five destinations served by five airlines.
KLIA handled 1.1 million passengers on European routes in the first nine months of 2026, up 29.7 per cent year-on-year.
German ambassador to Malaysia Silke Riecken-Daerr said the connection serves businesses seeking opportunities in both markets, as well as students, researchers, tourists and families travelling between the two countries.
She said Lufthansa's decision to return is a vote of confidence in Malaysia and gives fresh momentum to bilateral ties.
Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Chiew Choon Man said Malaysia recorded 1.18 million visitors from Europe between January and August 2026, an increase of 1.2 per cent from 1.16 million in the same period last year.
Germany accounted for 116,824 visitors during the eight-month period.
Chiew, who represented Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing at the event, said reliable air connectivity is central to Malaysia's efforts to attract international visitors.
"Strong and reliable air connectivity is fundamental to our efforts to attract more international visitors and ensure that Malaysia remains accessible and competitive in the global tourism market," he said.
He said Malaysia aims to strengthen its presence in the European market, encourage longer stays and create more opportunities for the tourism industry.
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