Malaysia Airports cements regional hub role with major expansion in China air links
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is ramping up international air connectivity with the addition of new Chinese carriers and direct routes linking major Chinese cities to Kuala Lumpur and Penang, further solidifying its role as a key aviation gateway in Southeast Asia.
As of May 2025, the number of Chinese airlines operating at KL International Airport (KLIA) has risen to nine, nearly double the pre-pandemic count, underscoring the airport's growing stature as a bridge between North Asia and Southeast Asia.
On April 30, Sichuan Airlines made its debut at Penang International Airport with five weekly direct flights from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport. This marks the airline's first entry into northern Malaysia, enhancing connectivity between western China and Penang.
Meanwhile, Hainan Airlines launched four weekly flights from Haikou Meilan International Airport to KLIA, strengthening southern China's air access to Malaysia's capital.
Additionally, China Eastern Airlines introduced a new thrice-weekly route linking Lanzhou and Kunming to KLIA, improving access from northwest and southwest China for both leisure and business travellers.
MAHB managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani said that these new routes and airline entries are a reflection of the company's 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," he said in a statement.
In May 2025, MAHB recorded 8.4 million passenger movements across its domestic network, split between 4.1 million international and 4.3 million domestic travellers.
At its wholly owned asset in Türkiye, Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, total passenger traffic hit 4 million, with 2.2 million international and 1.8 million domestic movements, underscoring the group's robust global aviation footprint.
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