PENANG: Malaysia has strengthened its air links with China with the launch of a new direct flight connecting Guangzhou and Penang, a move expected to support the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign and drive higher inbound tourism from one of the country’s key source markets.
Spring Airlines’ inaugural flight touched down at Penang International Airport on Wednesday morning with around 170 passengers on board, marking the start of a thrice-weekly service operating every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. An Airbus A320 serves the route with a capacity of 186 passengers.
Tourism Malaysia said the new connection comes at an opportune time, as demand from China continues to grow for destinations offering cultural heritage, culinary experiences and leisure travel. Penang, with its UNESCO-listed George Town, beaches and renowned street food scene, is seen as a natural draw for both leisure and business travellers.
A welcoming ceremony was held at the airport to mark the arrival of the inaugural flight, attended by Penang tourism and creative economy executive councillor Wong Hon Wai, senior representatives from Spring Airlines, and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad.
Tourism Malaysia director-general Datuk Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim said the new route aligns closely with the national tourism body’s strategy ahead of VM2026.
“China remains one of Malaysia’s most important source markets. Expanding direct air access, particularly to destinations such as Penang, is crucial to increasing visitor arrivals and encouraging longer stays,” he said.
China recorded 4.7 million visitor arrivals to Malaysia in 2025, a 25.1% year-on-year increase, underscoring the market’s continued recovery and growth. Tourism Malaysia said it would work closely with Spring Airlines and local industry players to develop targeted travel packages and promotional campaigns tailored to Chinese travellers.
The new Guangzhou–Penang service is expected to enhance people-to-people exchanges further and strengthen regional aviation connectivity, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a preferred destination in Southeast Asia ahead of VM2026.
