Tourism Malaysia welcomes the inaugural direct flight by Juneyao Airlines connecting Sunan Shuofang International Airport in Wuxi to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on 20 March 2026, marking another important milestone in strengthening air connectivity between Malaysia and emerging cities in China.
Operating with a modern Airbus A320neo, the new HO1563 flight links Wuxi and Kuala Lumpur with three weekly services on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Starting on 19 March 2026, the flight departs Wuxi at 22:55 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur at approximately 02:50.
This new route represents Juneyao Airlines’ continued expansion in Malaysia beyond its established Shanghai network, further enhancing connectivity between the two countries. The service also improves access for travellers connecting through Kuala Lumpur to other Malaysian destinations such as Tawau and Penang. As of February 2026, China is connected to Malaysia through 30 cities, with major airports including KLIA, Penang International Airport, and Kota Kinabalu International Airport operating a total of 871 flights weekly.
“The launch of this direct service between Wuxi and Kuala Lumpur reflects the growing momentum in Malaysia–China tourism connectivity. This route not only strengthens air links between the two countries but also opens the door for more travellers from Wuxi and nearby regions to explore Malaysia’s unique charm, rich culture, and diverse travel experiences,” said Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia.
Passengers on the inaugural flight were given a warm farewell at a special send-off ceremony at Sunan Shuofang International Airport, led by Mr. Aaron Gan, Director of Tourism Malaysia Shanghai, together with representatives from Juneyao Airlines. Upon arrival in Malaysia, they were welcomed by Ms. Noriah Jaafar, Senior Deputy Director of Tourism Malaysia, along with Juneyao Airlines representatives.
China continues to be one of Malaysia’s most important source markets. In 2025, Malaysia welcomed 4.7 million visitors from China, reflecting a 25.1 per cent year-on-year increase and demonstrating the market’s strong recovery and sustained travel demand. With direct connectivity now in place, leisure tourists, business visitors, and organised tour groups can enjoy more convenient access, reinforcing Kuala Lumpur’s role as a key aviation and tourism gateway.
The launch of this scheduled service aligns with the strategic goals of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), expanding international access and strengthening Kuala Lumpur’s position as a regional hub. Improved air connectivity is expected to encourage repeat visits, boost tourism expenditure, and further highlight Malaysia as a destination renowned for its vibrant culture, world-class cuisine, diverse shopping, and unique travel experiences.
Tourism Malaysia also expresses its appreciation to Juneyao Airlines for its continued partnership and support, and looks forward to deepening this collaboration through joint promotional efforts to showcase Malaysia’s diverse attractions to travellers from Wuxi and across China in support of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).
About the Author
