The Penang–Xi’an direct flight route, previously operated by China’s Loong Air, is expected to resume operations as early as June, signalling a strategic boost for Malaysia’s tourism sector ahead of the upcoming Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign.
Dato’ Yeoh Soon Hin, Deputy Chairman of the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia), confirmed that active discussions are ongoing with Loong Air to reinstate the popular route. While a specific restart date has yet to be finalized, he expressed optimism that the service would resume in the coming weeks, subject to market conditions and regulatory approvals.
In addition to the Penang–Xi’an route, Loong Air is also preparing to launch a new direct connection between Kuala Lumpur and Xi’an. Three weekly flights are expected to begin by late June. The new route is currently in the final application and logistical preparation stages.
“The return of the Penang–Xi’an route and the proposed Kuala Lumpur–Xi’an service mark significant progress in reconnecting Malaysia with key tourism markets in China,” said Yeoh. “These direct links are vital not just for Kuala Lumpur but for regional destinations like Penang, which stand to benefit enormously from increased international accessibility.”
Tourism Malaysia is prioritizing the expansion of air connectivity beyond the capital as part of a broader national strategy to distribute tourism benefits more evenly across the country. Yeoh underscored the agency’s commitment to working closely with international carriers to enhance flight accessibility to states outside Kuala Lumpur.
“Our goal is to ensure that all Malaysian states are positioned to reap the economic and cultural rewards of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Direct international flights play a critical role in achieving this,” Yeoh added.
The revival of key air routes comes as Malaysia ramps up efforts to attract international travellers and restore pre-pandemic tourism levels. China, historically one of Malaysia’s top source markets, is seen as pivotal in these recovery plans.
