Tourism Malaysia welcomed the inaugural direct flight by Juneyao Airlines connecting Sunan Shuofang International Airport in Wuxi with Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on 20 March 2026, marking an important milestone in strengthening air connectivity between Malaysia and emerging cities in China.
Operating with a modern Airbus A320neo aircraft, the new HO1563 service links Wuxi and Kuala Lumpur with three weekly flights on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Commencing on 19 March 2026, the flight departs Wuxi at 22:55 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur at approximately 02:50.
This new scheduled route reflects Juneyao Airlines’ continued expansion into Malaysia beyond its established Shanghai network, further enhancing connectivity between the two countries. The service also improves accessibility for travellers connecting through Kuala Lumpur to other Malaysian destinations such as Tawau and Penang. As of February 2026, China is connected to Malaysia through 30 cities, with major airports including Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Penang International Airport and Kota Kinabalu International Airport operating a total of 871 flights weekly.
The Director General of Tourism Malaysia, Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, stated that the launch of the direct service between Wuxi and Kuala Lumpur reflects the growing momentum in Malaysia–China tourism connectivity. He noted that the introduction of this route not only strengthens air links between the two countries but also opens opportunities for more travellers from Wuxi and its surrounding regions to experience Malaysia’s unique charm, rich culture and diverse travel offerings.
Passengers on the inaugural flight were given a warm send-off during a special ceremony at Sunan Shuofang International Airport, led by Aaron Gan, Director of Tourism Malaysia Shanghai, together with representatives from Juneyao Airlines to commemorate the occasion. Upon arrival in Malaysia, they were welcomed by Noriah Jaafar, Senior Deputy Director of Tourism Malaysia, along with representatives from the airline.
China remains one of Malaysia’s most significant source markets. In 2025, Malaysia recorded 4.7 million visitors from China, representing a 25.1 per cent year-on-year increase and underscoring the market’s strong recovery and sustained demand for travel. With direct connectivity now in place, travellers including leisure tourists, business visitors and organised tour groups can benefit from more convenient access, reinforcing Kuala Lumpur’s role as a key aviation and tourism gateway.
The launch of this service aligns with the strategic goals of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) by expanding international access and strengthening Kuala Lumpur’s position as a regional hub. Enhanced air connectivity is expected to encourage repeat visits, increase tourism spending and further elevate Malaysia’s appeal as a destination known for its vibrant culture, world-class cuisine, diverse shopping and unique travel experiences.
Tourism Malaysia also expressed its appreciation to Juneyao Airlines for its continued partnership and support and looks forward to strengthening this collaboration through joint promotional efforts to showcase Malaysia’s diverse attractions to travellers from Wuxi and across China in support of Visit Malaysia 2026.
