Malaysia strengthens air links with China, Indonesia via 4 new services

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has strengthened its air connectivity with China and Indonesia through the launch of four new international services by Hainan Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Wings Air and AirAsia, according to Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB).

MAHB said the new routes connect Kuala Lumpur with Chongqing and Dalian in China via Nanjing, Melaka with Pekanbaru, and Kota Bharu with Jakarta, further expanding travel options between Malaysia and two of its key regional markets.

MAHB managing director Izani Ghani said the additional routes reflected encouraging growth across the aviation network.

“While KLIA continues to expand its connections with major international markets, the Melaka and Kota Bharu airports are also strengthening their international links.

“This broadens access to new markets, supports tourism and business activity, and creates greater travel options for passengers,” Bernama reported him as saying today.

According to MAHB, Hainan Airlines commenced flights between Chongqing (CKG) and KLIA (KUL) on May 16, followed by China Eastern Airlines’ launch of services from Dalian (DLC) via Nanjing (NKG) on June 23.

Regionally, it said Wings Air introduced thrice-weekly flights between Pekanbaru (PKU) and Melaka Airport (MKZ) on June 10, while AirAsia launched four-weekly services linking Jakarta (CGK) and Kelantan’s Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR) on June 16.

“With these additions, MAHB’s network now serves 15 China-based airlines. Beyond KLIA, the new services highlight the growing role of Malaysia’s domestic airports in supporting international connectivity.

“The Pekanbaru and Jakarta routes are the second international services for Melaka Airport and Sultan Ismail Petra Airport, respectively, expanding access to overseas markets and creating new opportunities for tourism, trade and business travel,” it said.