The governments of the UK and Malaysia have agreed a deal to end restrictions on flights between the two countries.
All previous limits on the number of services between the UK and Malaysia have been removed as have restrictions on flights to onward destinations from the two countries. Airlines can also operate services within each other’s countries.
Aviation minister Simon Burns (pictured) announced the deal today (June 21) and added that he hoped the liberalised agreement would lead to greater choice and lower fares for travellers.
Currently only Malaysia Airlines operates between the UK and Malaysia with twice-daily flights from Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur. Air Asia X cancelled its service from Gatwick to Kuala Lumpur in March 2012 – only six months after switching the flights from Stansted.
Burns said: “This is excellent news for consumers and the aviation industry alike. I very much hope that it will generate competition among airlines, allowing passengers to reap the benefits of greater choice and lower airfares.
“It is one of the most liberal agreements of its type worldwide and I am pleased that the UK continues to set the standard in aviation liberalisation.”
The removal of the limit on the number of services between the two countries will come into effect from October 27, 2013.