New Chinese Carriers and Routes Enhances Connectivity in May 2025
Malaysia Airports continues to expand international air connectivity in May 2025 with the recent entry of two Chinese carriers and the launch of new routes connecting key Chinese cities to Kuala Lumpur and Penang. This brings the total number of Chinese carriers operating at KL International Airport (KLIA) to 9, almost double the number recorded before the COVID-19 pandemic, significantly enhancing KLIA’s role as a key regional hub bridging North Asia and Southeast Asia.
On 30 April 2025, Sichuan Airlines made its debut at Penang International Airport (PEN) with the commencement of direct flights from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU). This marks Sichuan Airlines’ first entry into northern Malaysia, operating five weekly flights, offering enhanced access between western China and Penang.
Meanwhile, Hainan Airlines commenced four times weekly direct services from Haikou Meilan International Airport to KLIA. As a new airline partner at KLIA, Hainan Airlines further strengthens connectivity between southern China and Malaysia’s capital city.
Adding to the momentum, China Eastern Airlines introduced the Lanzhou-Kunming-KLIA route with three times weekly flights, significantly enhancing accessibility from China’s northwest and southwest regions to Malaysia, catering to both leisure and business travel.
According to Malaysia Airports Managing Director, Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani, “These new routes and airline entries are a reflection of our ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral connectivity and stimulate passenger growth. China remains one of Malaysia’s top tourism and trade partners, and we are pleased to support the expansion of flight operations between both countries. We remain committed to facilitating this growth by ensuring our airports are well-equipped to support our airline partners. These new connections not only support inbound tourism ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 but also enhance Malaysia’s standing as a key gateway in the region.”
In May 2025, Malaysia Airports’ network of local airports handled 8.4 million passenger movements, with 4.1 million international and 4.3 million domestic travellers. Meanwhile, Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (ISG), its wholly-owned asset in Türkiye, recorded 4.0 million total passengers comprising 2.2 million international and 1.8 million domestic, further reinforcing the group’s strong aviation footprint.