Inaugural Flight From Haikou, China To Penang By Hainan Airlines

 

PENANG, 11 October 2026 | Tourism Malaysia welcomed the inaugural arrival of Hainan Airlines flight HU477 from Haikou, Hainan, China, at Penang International Airport at 8.45 p.m.

The service, operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft with a seating capacity of 110 passengers, establishes direct air connectivity between Haikou and Penang. Operating twice weekly on Wednesdays and Sundays, the route is expected to enhance tourism accessibility and attract more visitors from Hainan and surrounding regions to Penang and Northern Malaysia.

The welcoming ceremony was attended by YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy; Mdm. Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi, Senior Director of International Promotion Asia/Africa, Tourism Malaysia; and Mr. Ooi Chok Yan, CEO of Penang Global Tourism, Ms Huang Lishu Consul from the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Penang alongside representatives from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) and Hainan Airlines.

The inaugural flight marks a significant step in strengthening air connectivity between China and Malaysia, while supporting tourism growth and promoting Penang as an international travel destination.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Expo Japan (TEJ) 2026: Malaysia Highlights Its Destinations And Experiences, Intensifying Japan Promotions

 

TOKYO, JAPAN – Malaysia is strengthening its tourism presence in the Japanese market through its participation in Tourism Expo Japan (TEJ) 2026, with the Malaysia Pavilion officially opened today at Tokyo Big Sight, showcasing the country’s diverse tourism products, destinations and experiences.

The Malaysia Pavilion was officially launched by Mr Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General (Promotions II) of Tourism Malaysia, in the presence of Mr. Zainal Azlan Mohd Nadzir, Deputy Chief of Mission / Minister, Embassy of Malaysia, Tokyo, Malaysian tourism industry representatives and Japanese tourism industry stakeholders.

Malaysia’s participation at TEJ 2026 also featured several key initiatives aimed at strengthening Malaysia–Japan tourism cooperation, including the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between Tourism Malaysia and JTB Corporation, the launch of Edu+ 2.0 in collaboration with the National Association of Private Education Institutions (NAPEI), and the launch of the Malaysia Gourmet Book, “Tabetai, Aitai, Malaysia”, highlighting Malaysia’s diverse culinary offerings and gastronomic experiences.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Sabah boosts efforts to attract Chinese tourists ahead of Visit Sabah 2027

 

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is stepping up efforts to attract more Chinese tourists ahead of Visit Sabah 2027, Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said. 

"China remains an important tourism market for Sabah. 

"As we strengthen air connectivity, our destination marketing must also reach travellers through the platforms they use to discover and plan their holidays. 

"More flights mean more visitors, and more visitors mean more opportunities for our tourism industry and local communities," he said. 

During a week-long visit to China to promote the state and strengthen air links, Jafry and his delegation visited Chongqing, Guiyang, Anshun and Shanghai. 

The visit included meetings with airlines, tourism industry players, business representatives, cultural groups and RedNote (Xiaohongshu).

Jafry said Chongqing Airlines operated three direct flights a week to Sabah, while more flights between Sabah and Shanghai would be available by year-end as China Eastern Airlines and Spring Airlines planned to increase their flight schedules. 

As of press time, Kota Kinabalu also had direct scheduled air connectivity with several destinations in China, including Beijing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou and Shenzhen, as well as Hong Kong. 

"A direct flight opens the door, but we must give people a reason to keep travelling. 

"That is why we are bringing tourism, culture, music, media and business together. 

"Better connectivity creates opportunities across our tourism industry, from hotels and tour operators to restaurants, attractions and local businesses," Jafry said. 

He added that the Sabah delegation also promoted tourism, culture, music and industry exchanges, with Malaysian singer Shila Amzah taking part in the programme in Guiyang. 

Visitors from China accounted for 578,681 of the 1.1 million international arrivals to Sabah in the first eight months of 2026, an increase of 21.6 per cent compared with the same period last year. 

Sabah also sought to strengthen its digital presence in China, with more than 10 million searches related to the state recorded on RedNote. 

Among the platform's popular Sabah-related searches were sunsets, mountains, seas and fresh seafood. 

"This is a very encouraging indication for Sabah. The interest is already there, and our focus now is to turn that interest into actual visits. 

"We want more Chinese travellers to experience Sabah for themselves, from our spectacular sunsets and Mount Kinabalu to our islands, fresh seafood, wildlife and diverse cultures."

-nst online.

Sabah Tourism Board Welcomes Direct Charter Flight from Matsuyama, Japan

 

Kota Kinabalu, 19 September 2026 – Sabah Tourism is proud to welcome flight MH8991 carrying passengers from Matsuyama, Japan, as it touches down at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) at 1.10 pm. The full flight of 140 passengers was greeted with a welcoming garland ceremony at the airport.

This charter flight marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to promote Sabah in the Japanese market, connecting Matsuyama City directly to Kota Kinabalu. This initiative opens up future opportunities for travelers from this region of Japan to experience Sabah's rich biodiversity, nature and wildlife reserves, and unique cultural attractions.

This positive development underscores the growing confidence in Sabah as a premier travel destination and reinforces our commitment to sustainable growth in the tourism sector.

-Sabah Tourism Board.

Mongolia Travel Agents & KOLs Famtrip To Malaysia

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 9 September 2026 | Tourism Malaysia welcomed a delegation from Mongolia comprising 16 travel agents and three Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) as part of a 4 days 3 night familiarisation trip (famtrip) hosted by HTC Travel Services (M) Sdn. Bhd. Mr. Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General (Promotion II) of Tourism Malaysia, was invited to attend the welcoming dinner for a networking session. The itinerary of famtrip was covered Putrajaya, Selangor, Pahang, Port Dickson, and Langkawi.

Furthermore, Tourism Malaysia is engaged in a joint promotion collaboration with Green Empire Holding LLC in Mongolia from July to December 2026. Additionally, between November and December 2026, a new charter route will operate a total of 15 direct flights from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, to Malaysia.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia And ZIPAIR Strengthen Tourism Ties Ahead Of New Direct Service

 

PUTRAJAYA, 7 September 2026 | Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, received a courtesy call from Mr. Yasuhiro FUKUDA, President and CEO of ZIPAIR, together with the delegation today, in conjunction with ZIPAIR’s upcoming Narita–Kuala Lumpur (NRT–KUL) route, scheduled to commence operations on 20 October 2026.

The daily service will operate seven times weekly, with an estimated arrival time in Kuala Lumpur at 11.40 p.m. The route will be operated using Boeing 787-9 aircraft, with a seating capacity of approximately 290 passengers per flight.

The discussion also explored potential collaboration involving Pokémon-related activities in Malaysia, with a view to enhancing Malaysia’s appeal as a destination for Japanese visitors.

The new NRT–KUL service is expected to strengthen air connectivity and support efforts to increase arrivals from the Japanese market. From January to June 2026, Malaysia recorded 200,579 Japanese visitors, a 7.2% increase from 187,069 visitors during the same period in 2025.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia–Japan Connectivity Enhanced With Malaysia Airlines’ Inaugural Fukuoka–Kuala Lumpur Direct Flight

 

KUALA LUMPUR — Tourism Malaysia warmly welcomed the inaugural arrival of Malaysia Airlines’ direct flight service from Fukuoka to Kuala Lumpur at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 today, marking a significant milestone in strengthening air connectivity between Malaysia and Japan. The new service opens a gateway for travellers from Kyushu and the surrounding regions to experience Malaysia during Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 (VM2026–2027) and beyond. 

The inaugural Malaysia Airlines flight from Fukuoka International Airport was accorded a ceremonial welcome upon arrival at KLIA. The ceremony was attended by Madam Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi, Senior Director, International Promotion Division (Asia & Africa), Tourism Malaysia; Mr George Low, Head of Eastern Region Commercial Sales, Malaysia Airlines Group (MAG); and representative from MAHB. 

The Fukuoka–Kuala Lumpur service operates five times weekly using Boeing 737-8 aircraft with 174 seats per flight. With a flight duration of approximately six hours and forty-five minutes, the direct service provides a convenient travel option for visitors from Fukuoka, the wider Kyushu region, and surrounding areas to Malaysia. 

The route also marks Malaysia Airlines’ third gateway in Japan, complementing its existing services from Tokyo and Osaka. The expanded network is expected to encourage increased visitor arrivals from Japan, strengthen Malaysia’s position as an accessible destination for the Japanese market, and support enhanced tourism, business, educational, and people-to-people exchanges between Malaysia and Japan. 

Mr Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, said, “The commencement of this direct service is a positive development for Malaysia’s tourism industry as it further strengthens our connectivity with Japan. Fukuoka and the wider Kyushu region represent an important market with significant potential for Malaysia, particularly in attracting visitors interested in leisure, culture and heritage, nature and ecotourism, gastronomy, and education tourism.” 

“Improved air connectivity is fundamental to facilitating visitor flows and creating greater opportunities for tourism cooperation. Tourism Malaysia will continue to work closely with our airline and industry partners to maximise the potential of this new route and promote Malaysia as a preferred destination among travellers from Fukuoka and surrounding prefectures,” added Mr Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim. 

The new service also supports the objectives of VM2026–2027, which seeks to position Malaysia as a preferred and sustainable destination while showcasing the country’s diverse tourism assets and experiences to international travellers. Beyond leisure tourism, the enhanced connectivity is expected to facilitate greater movement of students, educators, education agents and academic groups between Japan and Malaysia, contributing to the development of education tourism and broader institutional linkages. 

The commencement of the Fukuoka–Kuala Lumpur service is also timely as Malaysia and Japan look towards 2027, which marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The milestone provides further opportunities to deepen the longstanding bilateral relationship and strengthen people-to-people ties through tourism, travel, education, and cultural exchanges. 

From January to June 2026, Malaysia recorded 200,579 visitors from Japan, a 7.2 per cent increase compared with 187,069 visitors during the same period in 2025. As of August 2026, air connectivity between Japan and Malaysia comprised 78 flight frequencies with 20,321 seats per week, further underscoring the importance of continued collaboration with airlines to expand capacity and stimulate travel demand. 

Tourism Malaysia remains committed to strengthening strategic partnerships with airlines and tourism industry stakeholders in Japan to expand connectivity, stimulate visitor demand, and support the sustainable growth of tourism between Malaysia and Japan.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia Airlines returns to Busan after 28 years, Firefly enters China

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines Bhd will resume flights to Busan on Dec 2 after a 28-year absence, while sister airline FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd (Firefly) will make its first foray into China with direct services to Kunming. 

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) president and group chief executive officer Captain Nasaruddin A Bakar said the new routes reflected the group's focus on markets with sustainable demand and opportunities to support tourism, trade and connectivity. 

"These new routes reflect our focus on markets where we see sustainable demand and opportunities to support tourism, trade and people-to-people connections," he said at the MATTA Fair today. 

Malaysia Airlines will operate four weekly Kuala Lumpur-Busan flights using Boeing B737-8 aircraft, marking its return to South Korea's second-largest city after last serving the route between 1996 and 1998. 

Upon resumption, Malaysia Airlines will be the only carrier offering non-stop flights between Kuala Lumpur and Busan. The service will complement its existing flights to Seoul. 

The Busan flights will operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, with introductory return fares starting from RM2,139 for Economy Class and RM4,999 for Business Class.

Meanwhile, Firefly will launch direct flights to Kunming in southwest China using B737-800 aircraft, marking the airline's first route into the country. 

"This will open a new connection to an important regional centre, while complementing Malaysia Airlines' network in China, which now serves nine key hubs," Nasaruddin said. 

MAG has yet to announce the commencement date or ticket sales for the Kunming service. 

Malaysia Airlines will also increase its Kuala Lumpur-Fukuoka services from five times weekly to daily from Dec 1, following the route's resumption on Sept 2. 

Brisbane services will increase from six times weekly to daily from Oct 25, with the airline deploying its Airbus A330neo aircraft on the route. 

Flights to Surabaya will increase from 14 to 16 times weekly from Nov 1. 

Nasaruddin said Malaysia Airlines is also exploring another destination in South Asia, subject to regulatory approvals, with details to be announced in due course. 

Separately, MAG is building its own in-flight catering facility near Kuala Lumpur International Airport through MAG Culinary Solutions (MAGCS). 

Nasaruddin said groundworks began in July, with the facility targeted for completion in the fourth quarter of 2028 and operations expected to begin in the second quarter of 2029. 

The facility is expected to produce about 50,000 meals a day, almost double MAG's current handling capacity, and will cater to the group's airlines and third-party carriers. 

MAGCS was established as a MAG subsidiary in September 2025 following the insourcing of Malaysia Airlines' catering operations in 2023. 

MAG said customer satisfaction with in-flight dining has increased to 78 per cent from 72 per cent, while catering on-time performance now consistently stands at 99.9 per cent. 

The catering unit has secured a Ground Handling Licence and Technical Approval Certificate from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia, as well as an interim Manufacturing Licence from the Malaysian Investment Development Authority.

-nst online.

Batik Air-Tourism Malaysia Trade Event In Seoul

 

SEOUL, 26 August 2026 | The Batik Air and Tourism Malaysia Trade Event, held at The Westin Josun Seoul, brought together Tourism Malaysia, Batik Air and key Korean tourism industry stakeholders to strengthen cooperation and create new opportunities to promote Malaysia in the South Korean market.

The event was officiated by YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, and attended by YBhg. Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy, Chief Executive Officer of Batik Air, and Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia.

Around 60 Korean travel agents, industry partners and media representatives participated in the event, which comprised a tourism seminar followed by the Batik Air Trade Partner Appreciation Night.

The programme provided an important platform for Tourism Malaysia, Batik Air and Korean tourism industry stakeholders to exchange market insights, explore business opportunities and strengthen cooperation in promoting Malaysia. It also showcased Malaysia’s diverse tourism offerings and the Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 campaign, while encouraging the development of more attractive Malaysia travel packages tailored to the Korean market.

The collaboration between Tourism Malaysia and Batik Air extends beyond this event through joint promotional activities, tourism seminars, familiarisation trips and consumer campaigns under the Geran Sepadan Penerbangan Charter (GSPC) Matching Grant, supporting efforts to stimulate travel demand and enhance connectivity to Malaysia.

Highlighting the importance of the Korean market, YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing said that South Korea remains an important tourism market for Malaysia, and that the partnership with Batik Air plays an important role in strengthening Malaysia’s presence in key source markets, enhancing connectivity and positioning Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination.

Air connectivity remains fundamental to sustaining this growth. As of July 2026, South Korea and Malaysia are connected by approximately 47 weekly direct flights from Incheon and Busan, providing more than 11,000 seats.

Malaysia welcomes greater participation from airlines and charter operators to further expand connectivity from South Korea. Increased air capacity will be instrumental in stimulating travel demand, creating more opportunities for the tourism industry and attracting more Korean visitors to discover Malaysia.

Through stronger cooperation between the public and private sectors, Tourism Malaysia will continue to work closely with airlines and Korean tourism industry partners to turn the momentum of Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 into sustainable tourism growth and further strengthen Malaysia’s position in the South Korean market.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia Launches "Taste Of Malaysia – Flavours Of Penang" With Shangri-La Qiantan, Shanghai

 

SHANGHAI — Tourism Malaysia Shanghai, in collaboration with Shangri-La Qiantan, Shanghai, organised the “Taste of Malaysia – Flavours of Penang” Food Festival, taking place from 21 to 31 August 2026, as part of the continued efforts to promote Malaysia’s diverse culinary culture and support Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 (VM2026–2027). 

The event is jointly supported by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and the Palm Oil Research and Technical Service Institute of the Malaysia Palm Oil Board (MPOB) to bring the authentic flavours and multicultural heritage of Penang, which is widely regarded as Malaysia’s food capital, to Shanghai and allow local food enthusiasts to experience the unique allure of Malaysia first-hand. 

The opening ceremony was officiated by Mr. Aaron Gan, Director of Tourism Malaysia Shanghai, and Mr. Dexter Cheng, General Manager of Shangri-La Qiantan. Distinguished guests, including local tourism partners and media representatives, will experience Malaysia’s vibrant culture and culinary heritage through a buffet tasting session and a hands-on batik-making activity. 

“Taste of Malaysia – Flavours of Penang” is not only a feast for the palate but also a significant platform for cultural exchanges between China and Malaysia. Penang’s food culture, shaped by centuries of culinary wisdom from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Eurasian communities, tells a story of migration, fusion, and tradition. This allows guests to explore Malaysia’s tourism highlights, local customs, and world-class hospitality while savouring its diverse cuisine. 

The food festival welcomed two distinguished guest chefs from Malaysia: Chef Azhar bin Bah and Chef Lim Chang Wei. Chef Azhar brings over 26 years of culinary experience, having represented Penang in numerous international food promotions and cooked for Malaysian dignitaries. Chef Lim is highly regarded for his expertise in traditional Nyonya cuisine and his dedication to preserving Peranakan culinary heritage. Together, the two chefs will present a curated selection of Penang’s signature delicacies, offering guests an authentic taste of Nanyang flavours. 

The strong and growing interest in Malaysia among Chinese travellers is further reinforced by encouraging visitor arrivals and the expansion of air connectivity between China and Penang. From January to June 2026, Malaysia recorded 2.6 million visitor arrivals from China, representing a 17.6 per cent increase compared with 2.2 million visitor arrivals from the same market during the corresponding period last year. 

This growing interest is further supported by approximately 69 flights per week from various cities in China to Penang, operated by Shanghai Airlines, Juneyao Air, China Southern Airlines, as well as to strengthen new flights and routes from China. With convenient air connectivity of 771 weekly flights from China to Malaysia, Chinese travellers can enjoy easier access to Malaysia and discover its renowned culinary offerings, vibrant cultural heritage, and distinctive island charm. 

As VM2026–2027 gains momentum into 2027, Tourism Malaysia reaffirms its commitment to deepening engagement with the Chinese market through high-quality culinary and cultural events. Such initiatives not only showcase Malaysia’s diverse culinary heritage, but also strengthen destination awareness and encourage more Chinese travellers to discover Malaysia, particularly Penang, as a destination offering rich culinary experiences, vibrant cultures, and warm Malaysian hospitality.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia Airlines’ Inaugural Direct Flight From Changsa (CSX) To Kuala Lumpur (KUL) – MH521

 

Tourism Malaysia and Malaysia Airlines welcomed the inaugural direct flight operated by Malaysia Airlines between Changsha, China, and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), marking another milestone in strengthening air connectivity between Malaysia and China.

Malaysia Airlines officially commenced its daily scheduled service between Changsha and Kuala Lumpur on 9 July 2026, operating a Boeing 737 MAX 8 with a seating capacity of 180 passengers. The inaugural flight, MH523, departed Changsha Huanghua International Airport (CSX) at 2:05 a.m. local time and arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at approximately 6:45 a.m., establishing a new direct air link between the two cities.

To commemorate the inaugural service, Tourism Malaysia hosted a welcome reception for arriving passengers at KLIA. The reception was led by Mr. Samuel Lee, Deputy Director General (Promotion II) of Tourism Malaysia, together with representatives from Malaysia Airlines. Arriving passengers were presented with goodie bags and were welcomed by the VM2026 mascots, Wira and Manja.

The commencement of the daily Changsha–Kuala Lumpur service strengthens Malaysia's direct air connectivity with China and provides additional capacity to facilitate travel between the two destinations. The new route is expected to increase visitor arrivals from the Chinese market and complement Tourism Malaysia's ongoing market engagement and destination promotion initiatives under the VM2026 campaign.

-Tourism Malaysia.

New Air Link Strengthens Connectivity Between Dalian And Kuala Lumpur Via China Eastern Airlines

 

KUALA LUMPUR, 23 June 2026 | Tourism Malaysia today welcomed the arrival of inaugural flight MU7707 from Dalian, Liaoning Province, via Nanjing, China, marking another important milestone in strengthening air connectivity between Northeast China and Malaysia. Operated by China Eastern Airlines, the flight safely arrived at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at about 6:25 a.m.

The daily scheduled flight is operated by an Airbus A320 Neo with seat capacity of 163 passengers, enhancing travel convenience and expanding access to Malaysia for the Northern Chinese market. It links Dalian (DLC) and Kuala Lumpur (KUL) via Nanjing (NKG), providing travellers from Dalian with a seamless one-stop connection through Nanjing Lukou International Airport before continuing onward to Kuala Lumpur. 

The welcoming ceremony was led by Mr. Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General (Promotion II) of Tourism Malaysia, together with Mdm. Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi, Senior Director of Tourism Malaysia, Mr. Xiang Ming, General Manager of China Eastern Airlines (Kuala Lumpur Branch) and representatives from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB).

To mark the occasion, Tourism Malaysia welcomed arriving passengers with souvenir goodie bags and appearances by the VM2026 mascots, Wira and Manja, showcasing Malaysia's warm hospitality.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Malaysia Airlines expands China network, adds Shenzhen & Changsha

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airlines Bhd will launch two new destinations in China namely Shenzhen and Changsha as well as resume services to Fukuoka, Japan from Kuala Lumpur between July and September this year. 

Parent company Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) president and chief executive officer (CEO) Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar said the new routes will be operated using its Boeing B737-8 aircraft. 

He added that the Fukuoka route will initially be operated using the B737-8 aircraft but the airline may deploy a larger aircraft such as the Airbus A330neo (new engine option) depending on demand and new aircraft delivery schedules. 

"We have ordered, in total, 95 aircraft – 40 A330neo and 55 737-8 and 737-10 and we expect deliveries in the next six to seven years up to 2032-2033 and because of the issues that the global industry is facing, in particular with supply chains, we are seeing a little bit of delay in our delivery." 

"Hence, today, we are planning for Fukuoka using the B737-8. However, if we have the capacity and once we have the aircraft on time, we should be able to swap accordingly. 

"If there is demand, we will change the aircraft," he said at a press conference after announcing the destinations at MATTA Fair 2026.

The inaugural flights to Shenzhen and Changsha will be on July 1 and July 8, respectively while Fukuoka will be on Sept 2. 

The launch of Changsha and Shenzhen brings Malaysia Airlines' network in China to nine destinations. 

The national carrier also flies to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Taipei and Chengdu Tianfu in China. 

MAG chief commercial officer for airline business Dersenish Aresandiran said ticket sales for the new services start today with Changha and Shenzhen offered at promotional fares during the MATTA Fair 2026 starting from RM1,088, while Fukuoka fares start from RM1,788. 

"This expansion is an important strategic move that strengthen our network and position Malaysia as a key gateway into Asia. 

"It reflects our broader strategy to strengthen Kuala Lumpur's position as a key gateway to Asia and beyond while supporting Malaysia's vision for tourism aspiration under Visit Malaysia Year 2026," he said. 

Malaysia Airlines will also increase flight frequencies from Kuala Lumpur to Brisbane, Manila and Colombo to meet rising demand and support growing tourism and trade links. 

The airline will also operate ad-hoc Kuala Lumpur-London flights on April 18 and 22 to accommodate passengers affected by disruptions involving Middle Eastern carriers. 

Meanwhile, MAG is returning as official airline partner and premier sponsor of MATTA Fair 2026 where the group will showcase its next-generation travel technology at its 46,000 sq ft pavilion.

-nst online.

Malaysia adds three international airlines linking Asia, Africa routes

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's aviation network has added three new international airlines, with AeroDili and Air Algerie commencing operations at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and Qingdao Airlines launching services to Penang International Airport. 

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd said Timor-Leste's AeroDili began operations on March 28, followed by Algeria's Air Algerie on March 30, while China's Qingdao Airlines started flights to Penang on March 31. 

Qingdao Airlines operates thrice-weekly flights from Qingdao, becoming the ninth Chinese carrier serving Penang International Airport, the airport operator said in a statement. 

AeroDili operates twice-weekly direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Timor-Leste, while Air Algerie will operate three times weekly. Its inaugural flight was fully booked, indicating strong demand. 

The Air Algerie service opens a new North African corridor with no direct competition, complementing existing African connectivity via Ethiopian Airlines and Air Mauritius. 

Malaysia Airports managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani said the additions form part of the group's efforts to expand its airline network.

"They enhance connectivity and service quality while creating long-term value for passengers, airline partners and the wider economy. 

"Our focus is on building a resilient, demand-driven network that supports tourism, trade and regional mobility, and we are actively pursuing new airline partnerships and routes to expand Malaysia's global reach," he said.

-nst online.

Laluan Penerbangan Sulung China Eastern Airlines Sektor Hefei–Kuala Lumpur

 

SEPANG, 4 FEBRUARI |  Hubungan dua hala Malaysia dengan Republik Rakyat China semakin erat apabila ketibaan penerbangan sulung China Eastern Airlines (MU) bagi laluan Hefei–Kuala Lumpur (HFE–KUL) di Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Kuala Lumpur, terus memperkukuh kerjasama penerbangan dan pelancongan antara kedua-dua negara.

Melalui pembukaan laluan baharu ke Malaysia ini, ia dapat meningkatkan aksesibiliti dan aliran pelancong selaras dengan usaha berterusan Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya Malaysia (MOTAC) melalui Lembaga Penggalakan Pelancongan Malaysia (Tourism Malaysia) dan rakan strategik dalam memperluas rangkaian penerbangan antarabangsa sekali gus merancakkan pertumbuhan sektor pelancongan negara.

MOTAC merakamkan penghargaan kepada China Eastern Airlines, Malaysia Airports Berhad, Pos Aviation dan semua pihak atas komitmen serta kerjasama strategik ini. Penerokaan laluan baharu ini semestinya akan terus menyumbang pertumbuhan ekonomi pelancongan, pertukaran budaya dan hubungan dua hala yang lebih erat yang mampu memberi manfaat kepada tanah air.

-MOTAC.

New Route Launched: Jinan-Kuala Lumpur Direct Flight To Drive Chinese Visitor Arrivals For Visit Malaysia 2026

 

SEPANG - Tourism Malaysia today welcomed the inaugural flight from Jinan to Kuala Lumpur by Shandong Airlines, marking a significant milestone in strengthening air connectivity between China and Malaysia.

Officially commencing on 19 January 2026, the new route operates seven days a week using a Boeing 737 aircraft with a capacity of 176 passengers. The service is designed to meet the growing demand for both leisure and business travel, while enhancing people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.

A welcoming ceremony was held this morning at KL International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 2 upon its arrival at about 3.00 AM. It was officiated by Mr. Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General (Promotions Il) of Tourism Malaysia, together with Mr. Ibrahim Mohamed Salleh, Chief Operating Officer, Aerodarat, Ms. Hao Shu, Deputy General Manager, Asia - Pacific Region, Air China and Mr. Zainuddin Mohamed, General Manager Aviation, Marketing & Development - Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB). Also present were Madam Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi, Senior Director of the International Promotions Division (Asia/Africa), Tourism Malaysia and Mr. Azmi Abdullah, Senior Deputy Director of the International Promotions Division (Asia/Africa), Tourism Malaysia.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Juneyao Air Launches Inaugural Flight From Shanghai To Tawau

 

TAWAU, SABAH— Juneyao Air marked a significant milestone today with the arrival of its inaugural flight from Shanghai to Tawau, further strengthening air connectivity between China and Sabah. 

The new route officially commenced operations, operating three times weekly (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays) with a capacity of 180 seats. The service is expected to cater to the growing demand for leisure travel from China while enhancing tourism flows and people-to-people exchanges between the two destinations. 

The inaugural flight was welcomed by Mr. Darryl Hamzah, representative from Tourism Malaysia, together with Mr. Rehan Shafiq Azizan, from Malaysia Airport Berhad and Ms. Shirly Ho, from Sabah Tourism Board. Also present was Mr Simon Ng, representing Ground Team Red Sdn Bhd, ground handler for Juneyao Air. 

“We warmly welcome Juneyao Air’s inaugural scheduled flight from Shanghai to Tawau. This new service strengthens connectivity between China and Malaysia through Sabah, providing greater convenience for travellers and supporting Sabah’s tourism growth during Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026),” said Mr Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia. 

The launch of this scheduled service forms part of broader efforts to strengthen inbound travel from China, a key source market for Malaysia, while enhancing air connectivity to East Malaysia. Tawau serves as a strategic gateway to Sabah’s east coast, providing access to renowned marine tourism destinations, eco-adventures and distinctive cultural experiences, most notably Semporna and its surrounding islands. 

China continues to play a critical role in Malaysia’s tourism landscape. This momentum is highlighted by robust performance from the Chinese market, which recorded 4.3 million visitor arrivals from January to November 2025, marking a 25.9 per cent year-on-year increase. Such figures underscore China’s enduring importance to Malaysia’s tourism expansion strategy and the overarching success of the VM2026 campaign. 

The introduction of the Shanghai–Tawau scheduled service supports Malaysia’s delivery of VM2026 by enhancing international accessibility and expanding connectivity to key tourism destinations in East Malaysia. Improved air links are expected to play a vital role in sustaining tourism momentum, encouraging repeat visits and positioning Sabah as a compelling destination for international travellers. These efforts will showcase Malaysia’s diverse attractions, rich culinary heritage, vibrant festivals and renowned hospitality. The added flight capacity supports ongoing initiatives to boost visitor arrivals and increase tourism spending from key source markets.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia And Weixin Pay Formalise Strategic Collaboration To Enhance Experience And Strengthen Tourism Promotion In The China Market

 

PUTRAJAYA — Tourism Malaysia and Weixin Pay today formalised their strategic collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC), marking a significant milestone in strengthening Malaysia’s tourism promotion efforts and enhancing the overall travel experience for Chinese visitors.

The collaboration reflects the mutual commitment of both parties to leverage their respective strengths, resources and expertise to promote Malaysia as a preferred destination among Chinese travellers, while supporting the sustainable growth and digital transformation of Malaysia’s tourism industry.

Director General of Tourism Malaysia, Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal said:  “China remains one of Malaysia’s most important tourism source markets. Today’s Chinese travellers expect seamless digital integration throughout their journey, from trip planning to payment solutions. This strategic collaboration with Weixin Pay represents an important step forward in strengthening Malaysia’s presence in the China market, enhancing engagement with potential visitors, and providing strong momentum for the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign.

-Tourism Malaysia.

Xiamen Airlines Relaunches Direct Hangzhou-Kuala Lumpur Route

 

SEPANG, 13 December 2025 – Tourism Malaysia extends its sincere congratulations to Xiamen Airlines on the successful resumption of its direct Hangzhou–Kuala Lumpur service, which strongly reaffirms the airline’s commitment to enhancing air connectivity between Malaysia and China.

The resumed flight, MF8713, touched down at KL International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 at 2:45 p.m.. This arrival signifies the airline’s return to the Hangzhou–Kuala Lumpur route, following the suspension of operations in 2018.

Operated using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft with a 169-seat capacity, this reinstated service significantly strengthens access from Eastern China, particularly Hangzhou and its surrounding catchment areas. The route is strategically positioned to support robust tourism growth, facilitate essential business travel, and enhance cultural exchanges between both nations.

-Tourism Malaysia.

New Kunming-Johor Bahru Flight Strengthens Southern Connectivity

 

JOHOR BAHRU, 15 December 2025 — Tourism Malaysia warmly welcomed the arrival of the inaugural AirAsia flight AK1381 from Kunming, China, to Johor Bahru at approximately 6:45 AM today, marking a significant milestone in air connectivity between the two regions.

Using an Airbus A320 with a capacity of 180, the new scheduled service operates three times weekly on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. This direct service is the second route with direct

access to Johor after Guangzhou, providing travellers from Kunming and surrounding regions with convenient access to Johor’s key attractions, including Desaru Coast, LEGOLAND Malaysia and the vibrant city of Johor Bahru.

Passengers on the maiden flight were personally welcomed by Mr. Awang Shawal bin Awang Sulaiman, Regional Deputy Director of Tourism Malaysia (Southern Region), alongside representatives from AirAsia and officials from Senai Airport Terminal Services Sdn. Bhd.

As Kunming stands as a major economic and tourist hub, this direct connection will undoubtedly make Johor and Malaysia a prominent holiday destination. Aligned with the efforts to attract more visitors from the growing and affluent regions in southern and western China, the launch of this direct route by AirAsia is a strategic development of China-Malaysia air connectivity, stimulating visitor arrivals and strengthening the cultural and economic ties between the two nations.

-Tourism Malaysia.