SEPANG - Malaysia's air connectivity with China and Indonesia has been strengthened through the launch of four new international services by Hainan Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Wings Air and AirAsia. The new routes connect Kuala Lumpur with Chongqing and Dalian via Nanjing, Melaka with Pekanbaru, and Kota Bharu with Jakarta, further expanding travel options between Malaysia and two of its key regional markets.

Hainan Airlines commenced flights between Chongqing (CKG) and KL International Airport (KUL) on 16 May, followed by China Eastern Airlines' launch of services from Dalian (DLC) via Nanjing (NKG) on 23 June. In the regional airports network, Wings Air introduced thrice-weekly flights between Pekanbaru (PKU) and Melaka Airport (MKZ) on 10 June, while AirAsia launched four-weekly services linking Jakarta (CGK) and Sultan Ismail Petra Airport, Kota Bharu (KBR) on 16 June.

The launch of China Eastern Airlines' service marks another step in strengthening KLIA's connectivity with China. Together with Hainan Airlines' Chongqing route, the new services expand access to secondary Chinese cities and support growing travel demand between both countries. With these additions, Malaysia Airports' network now serves 15 China-based airlines.

Beyond KLIA, the new services highlight the growing role of Malaysia's domestic airports in supporting international connectivity. The Pekanbaru and Jakarta routes are the second international services for Melaka Airport and Sultan Ismail Petra Airport respectively, expanding access to overseas markets and creating new opportunities for tourism, trade and business travel. Kota Bharu's new Jakarta connection complements its existing service to Singapore, while Melaka gains a direct link to one of Sumatra's key commercial centres.

According to the Managing Director of Malaysia Airports, Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani, “It is very encouraging that this growth is taking place across the network. While KLIA continues to expand its connections with major international markets, airports such as Melaka and Kota Bharu are also strengthening their international links. This broadens access to new markets, supports tourism and business activity, and creates greater travel options for passengers .”

The additional services further strengthen Malaysia's role as a gateway between Southeast Asia and key growth markets in China and Indonesia. Enhanced connectivity across both KLIA and regional airports supports tourism and economic activity nationwide while improving access to destinations across the region.