TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Malaysian budget airline AirAsia announced Monday it will launch a new route between Taipei and Fukuoka on Aug. 15, with tickets now on sale.

The new service marks AirAsia’s first route to Japan’s Kyushu region and its 13th direct route from Taiwan, per CNA. Japan continues to be the most popular destination for Taiwanese travelers, with 1,089,985 visits recorded between January and February, according to the Tourism Administration.

With demand for Japan travel remaining strong, several airlines are expanding routes to the country. Tigerair Taiwan has launched new routes to Oita and Tottori, Starlux Airlines recently began service to Kobe and will launch a limited-time route to Miyako Island in August, while China Airlines has resumed flights to Ishigaki and EVA Air has also added service to Kobe.

AirAsia said the Taipei–Fukuoka flight will originate in Kota Kinabalu, its second-largest aviation hub in Malaysia, and continue on to Fukuoka via Taipei. The route, made possible through fifth freedom traffic rights (stopover rights), reflects the airline’s strategy to expand its East Asia network and boost regional connectivity.

AirAsia added that the route is a milestone for Kota Kinabalu and underscores the company’s commitment to connecting Asia and promoting tourism and economic growth across the region.

To celebrate its debut in Kyushu, the airline is offering one-way tickets from Taipei to Fukuoka for NT$1,599 (US$53) before tax. The promotional fare is available through June 8 via the AirAsia MOVE app or airasia.com.

The travel period runs from Aug. 15, 2025, to March 29, 2026.