Malaysia Airlines has announced the resumption of its direct route connecting Kuala Lumpur and India's Kolkata City after an 18-year hiatus, spurred by growing tourism demand.

Starting Dec. 2, the airline will operate five weekly flights on this route, using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Flights will be available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, according to an official statement on the airline's website.

This marks Malaysia Airlines' third attempt at serving the Kolkata market, following previous efforts in 1998 and 2005, both of which were discontinued after just one year.

Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, is a significant tourist hub in India, while Kuala Lumpur remains a top destination in Asia, renowned for its Petronas Twin Towers and Batu Caves.

Industry experts attribute the resumption to a surge in Indian tourists traveling to Malaysia, driven by the visa-free entry policy.

Since December last year, Indian citizens have been granted visa-free entry to Malaysia for stays of up to 30 days.

Malaysian Indian Tour and Travel Association president Datuk Aruldass said the number of Indian tourists visiting Malaysia increased by 80% from 2023 to this year following the introduction of the visa exemption.