BAYAN LEPAS: Tourism Malaysia welcomes the commencement of a new route by Loong Air, connecting Xian, China to Penang, Malaysia today at the Penang International Airport. The flight will operate twice weekly, every Monday and Friday, using the Airbus A320 with a capacity of 168 seats.
The flight was warmly welcomed by YBhg. Dato’ Yeoh Soon Hin, Deputy Chairman of Tourism Malaysia together with YBhg. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia; and Madam Ding Qiao, Vice Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Penang. Also present were representatives from Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad, officials from Loong Air, Ground Team Red Sdn Bhd (GTR)—exclusive ground handling partner for Loong Air, Penang state representatives, media and other key stakeholders.
“This new route is part of Loong Air’s strategy to expand its international reach, a result of YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture’s efforts during his official working visit to China. This expansion is also a testament to Malaysia as a preferred destination for Chinese tourists, especially from northern China,” said YBhg. Dato’ Yeoh Soon Hin, Deputy Chairman of Tourism Malaysia.
The introduction of this route aligns with the objectives of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. In recent months, Malaysia has seen a remarkable increase in tourist arrivals from China, with a total of 3,038,314 tourists in 2024, an ascending growth of 132.7% compared to the previous year. The visa free policy which is now extended until December 2026 together with the growing connectivity between Malaysia and China are expected to further boost these numbers and enhance cultural exchange between Malaysia and China.
