Malaysia welcomes Loong Air’s new Xi’an-Penang route, as the country strengthens ties with China and prepares for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
As the final days of 2024 ticked away, Tourism Malaysia celebrated the inaugural flight of Loong Air’s new international route for 2025, linking Xi’an, China, with Penang, Malaysia. The service will operate twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays, utilizing an Airbus A320 configured with 168 seats.
The arrival at Penang International Airport on December 30 was marked by a warm welcome from YBhg. Dato’ Yeoh Soon Hin, Deputy Chairman of Tourism Malaysia, alongside YBhg. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, and Madam Ding Qiao, Vice Consul General of China in Penang. Representatives from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, Loong Air officials, Ground Team Red Sdn Bhd (GTR), Penang state authorities, and members of the media were also in attendance.
“This new route exemplifies Loong Air’s international growth strategy, further supported by YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, during his recent working visit to China,” said YBhg. Dato’ Yeoh. “It also reaffirms Malaysia’s position as a top choice for Chinese tourists, particularly those from northern China.”
BOOSTING CHINESE TOURISM AND CULTURAL EXCHANGE
The addition of the Xi’an-Penang route aligns with the objectives of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and underscores Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening ties with China. Chinese tourist arrivals in Malaysia surged in 2024, with over 3 million visitors recorded—a remarkable 132.7% increase compared to the previous year.
Tourism Malaysia attributes this growth to policies such as visa-free travel for Chinese nationals, extended until December 2026, and improved air connectivity between the two nations. The new route is expected to further elevate visitor numbers and facilitate cultural exchange, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a welcoming and accessible destination for global travellers.
All images courtesy of Tourism Malaysia
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