Xiamen Airlines Inaugurates Direct Nanjing-Kuala Lumpur Flight To Boost Connectivity
KUALA LUMPUR, March 17 (Bernama) -- Tourism Malaysia today welcomed the arrival of Xiamen Airlines’ inaugural direct flight from Nanjing to Kuala Lumpur, marking a significant enhancement in air connectivity between Malaysia and eastern China.
The agency said the new route, linking Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL), is expected to boost tourism and business exchanges, while strengthening bilateral ties between Malaysia and China.
The service will operate seven times weekly using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft with a capacity of 173 passengers, providing greater accessibility for both leisure and business travellers.
Tourism Malaysia director-general Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim said the new service reflects ongoing efforts to make Malaysia more accessible to travellers from eastern China.
“This increased capacity allows us to share the diversity of our heritage and the warmth of our hospitality, further strengthening Malaysia’s position as a premier choice for Chinese travellers,” he said in a statement today.
The inaugural flight’s welcoming ceremony was attended by a delegation from Tourism Malaysia, led by Deputy Director General of Tourism Malaysia, Lee Thai Hung, alongside Senior Director of the International Promotion Division (Asia/Africa), Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi and representatives from Xiamen Airlines and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB).
According to the statement, Xiamen Airlines’ expansion into this route reflects growing confidence in international travel and underscores the strengthening economic and tourism partnerships between Malaysia and China.
“As China continues to be one of Malaysia’s most important source markets, the recent increase in air capacity aligns with Tourism Malaysia’s initiatives to boost visitor arrivals and tourism receipts from this high-value market,” the statement said.
The appeal of Malaysia to Chinese travellers was clearly demonstrated in 2025, with 4.7 million visitor arrivals from China, representing a 25.1 per cent year-on-year increase.
Tourism Malaysia said this strong performance highlights Malaysia’s reputation as a top-tier leisure destination, celebrated for its rich gastronomy, world-class shopping, and renowned hospitality.
“Tourism Malaysia will continue to collaborate with airlines and industry partners on targeted promotional campaigns.
“With an enhanced flight network and strategic marketing, Tourism Malaysia remains confident that arrivals from China will continue their upward trajectory, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic growth,” it said.
-- BERNAMA
