NEW CHINA AND HONG KONG FLIGHTS BOOST CONNECTIVITY ACROSS MALAYSIAN GATEWAYS FOR VM2026

SEPANG – New direct and seasonal air services from China and Hong Kong into multiple Malaysian gateways highlight how international travellers are entering the country through different points during Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026). These developments support Malaysia Airports’ broader aspiration to position Malaysia to be the most connected country in the Asia Pacific region.

In January, Spring Airlines launched its Shanghai–Penang service, followed by the commencement of Guangzhou–Penang flights into Penang International Airport (PEN). The additions make Spring Airlines the eighth China-based carrier operating into Penang, and strengthen the airport’s role as a direct international entry point for travellers from southern and eastern China.

In the same month, Spring Airlines also resumed its seasonal Shanghai service into Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), restoring direct access between the city and East Malaysia in time for increased VM2026 travel demand.

Also in January, Juneyao Airlines commenced scheduled services between Shanghai and Tawau Airport (TWU), further expanding direct connectivity between China and East Malaysia. This was followed by Shandong Airlines launching its Jinan–Kuala Lumpur service into KL International Airport, adding another China origin city into Malaysia’s network.

In KLIA, China Eastern Airlines is operating a series of seasonal charter flights from Hefei in conjunction with China’s Golden Week travel period. The charter series marks the first direct air link between Hefei and Malaysia and is part of several similar seasonal movements from China cities during peak travel windows.

Additional seasonal charter activity has also been recorded across the network. Greater Bay Airlines operated a charter service from Hong Kong to Tawau Airport, while Batik Air Malaysia mounted charter flights from Kuala Lumpur to Harbin, further illustrating the diversity of seasonal travel movements between Malaysia and North East Asia during this period.

Collectively, these services signal growing origin demand from China and Hong Kong cities and reflect airline confidence in Malaysia’s broader airport network. Travellers are now able to arrive through different Malaysian gateways, directly or closer to their final destination, supporting wider visitor dispersal in line with national tourism aspirations for VM2026.

Malaysia Airports remains focused on strengthening connectivity across its network while elevating service standards and operational readiness at every gateway. As VM2026 unfolds, these direct and seasonal links into Penang, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur and Tawau expand travel options for visitors and support easier access to destinations across the country, complemented by ongoing efforts to provide a welcoming first touchpoint at Malaysia’s airports.