Malaysia–China air connectivity strengthens ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 Federal Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing highlighted the growing air links between Malaysia and China as a critical factor in boosting tourist arrivals ahead of the Visit Malaysia 2026 initiative. He noted that airlines are increasing services to support the expansion of travel between the two nations. Under the winter 2025 schedule, China Eastern Airlines is expanding its Malaysia network, utilizing its extensive base in major Chinese cities. Its subsidiary, Shanghai Airlines, now operates routes from Shanghai, Beijing, Wuhan, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Xi’an, and Kunming to Malaysia. The airline provides flights to Kuala Lumpur, as well as services connecting Shanghai to Kota Kinabalu and Penang. Most routes operate daily, with additional flights during the Chinese New Year period to meet peak demand. Tiong stated that the Malaysia–China air network has grown from 82 to 106 routes, with round-trip flights reaching 424 services over four weeks. The expanded route map covers major regions in East, North, Northwest, and Northeast China, enabling direct and convenient access to Malaysia’s key tourist destinations, including Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, and Penang. Xiamen Airlines is set to enhance its presence along the Malaysia–China corridor. From March 13 to 28, 2026, it will increase its Kuala Lumpur–Nanjing service to daily operations, boosting nonstop capacity between the two cities. The airline’s broader network connects Xiamen, Fuzhou, Quanzhou, Chongqing, Hangzhou, and Changsha with Penang and Kota Kinabalu, offering travelers from East and South China convenient options. Juneyao Airlines will launch a new nonstop Wuxi–Kuala Lumpur route on March 19, 2026, operating three times weekly.#china #malaysia #visit_malaysia_2026 #china_eastern_airlines #shanghai_airlines
