Malaysia–China air connectivity strengthens ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026, says Tiong

SIBU (Feb 28): Stronger and more frequent air links between Malaysia and China are emerging as a key pillar in sustaining the upward trend in visitor flows between the two countries, as airlines ramp up services ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026, said Federal Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.

Tiong said under the winter 2025 schedules, China Eastern Airlines will continue expanding its Malaysia network, leveraging an extensive base across major Chinese cities.

Its subsidiary, Shanghai Airlines, now operates Malaysia routes from Shanghai, Beijing, Wuhan, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Xi’an and Kunming.

In addition to flights to Kuala Lumpur, the carrier also operates Shanghai–Kota Kinabalu and Shanghai–Penang services.

“Most of these routes operate daily, with selected services temporarily increased during the Chinese New Year travel period to accommodate peak demand.

“The overall Malaysia–China network has expanded from 82 to 106 routes following the latest additions and frequency upgrades. Based on current schedules, total round-trip flights between Malaysia and China now reach 424 services over a four-week period,” said Tiong, who is also Bintulu MP and Dudong assemblyman, in Facebook post on Saturday.

He added that the route map now covers major regions in East, North, Northwest and Northeast China, enabling passengers to fly more directly and conveniently to Malaysia’s key tourist gateways, including Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu and Penang.

Meanwhile, Xiamen Airlines will further expand its presence along the Malaysia–China corridor.

From March 13 to 28, 2026, the airline will increase its Kuala Lumpur–Nanjing service to daily operations, boosting nonstop capacity between the two cities.

Its broader Malaysia network links Xiamen, Fuzhou, Quanzhou, Chongqing, Hangzhou and Changsha with Penang and Kota Kinabalu, providing convenient options for travellers from East and South China.

In addition, Juneyao Airlines is set to launch a new nonstop Wuxi–Kuala Lumpur route on March 19, 2026, operating three times weekly.

The service will connect the Yangtze River Delta more directly to Malaysia and open an additional gateway for travellers from emerging source cities in East China.

Juneyao currently serves Malaysia with routes from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Tawau, the minister said.

At the same time, Spring Airlines continues to maintain and expand its low-cost offerings on Malaysia–China routes.

The carrier operates services from Shanghai and Guangzhou to Kuala Lumpur and Penang, including daily flights on the Shanghai–Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai–Penang sectors, as well as three weekly flights between Guangzhou and Penang.

“As Malaysia and China move into a new phase of more frequent, convenient and reliable air connectivity, ongoing network optimisation and additional capacity are laying the groundwork for smoother travel experiences in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia 2026.

“Improved access is expected to attract more Chinese visitors, particularly in areas such as cultural experiences, culinary tourism, island holidays and eco-tourism. In turn, this will help unlock greater tourism spending and provide a more resilient boost to regional economic recovery,” he added.