Tourism Malaysia welcomed the arrival of the inaugural AirAsia flight AK1381 from Kunming, China, to Johor Bahru at approximately 6.45 a.m., marking a meaningful milestone in strengthening air connectivity between the two regions. The new service represents an important step in expanding direct access to southern Malaysia and enhancing travel convenience for visitors from China.
Operated using an Airbus A320 with a seating capacity of 180 passengers, the scheduled flight operates three times weekly on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. This direct service becomes the second route providing direct access to Johor after Guangzhou, offering travellers from Kunming and surrounding areas easier entry to Johor’s key attractions. Among the highlights are Desaru Coast, LEGOLAND Malaysia and the dynamic urban offerings of Johor Bahru.
Passengers on the maiden flight were greeted upon arrival by Mr Awang Shawal bin Awang Sulaiman, Regional Deputy Director of Tourism Malaysia for the Southern Region, together with representatives from AirAsia and officials from Senai Airport Terminal Services Sdn. Bhd. The welcoming gesture reflected Malaysia’s hospitality and underscored the importance of the new route to the region’s tourism development.
As a major economic and tourism hub in China, Kunming serves as a strategic gateway to southern and western China. The introduction of a direct connection to Johor Bahru positions Johor and Malaysia more prominently as holiday destinations for travellers from these growing and increasingly affluent markets. The route aligns with ongoing efforts to attract more Chinese visitors while strengthening cultural and economic ties between Malaysia and China.
The new Kunming–Johor Bahru service is expected to further support Malaysia’s strong tourism momentum. From January to August 2025, Malaysia recorded 3.3 million visitor arrivals from China, reflecting a 27.5 percent year-on-year increase compared to the same period in 2024. This sustained growth highlights Malaysia’s continued appeal, driven by its diverse attractions, family-friendly destinations and rich cultural experiences.
Tourism Malaysia extended its congratulations to AirAsia on the successful launch of the route and encouraged travellers to explore the distinctive experiences available across Johor and the rest of Malaysia. The commencement of this service provides a timely boost to the national tourism ecosystem as the country prepares for Visit Malaysia 2026, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a leading destination on the global tourism map.
