Air connectivity between China and Malaysia is expanding in
2026, with Malaysia Airlines reporting a 27% rise in passenger traffic across its China network and preparing to extend its codeshare partnership with China Southern Airlines. New direct services from Chinese carriers are also providing more travel options as Malaysia promotes its Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.
Malaysia Airlines carried more than 600,000 passengers on its China services during the first half of 2026, a 27% increase year on year. The network recorded an average load factor of 84%, according to parent company Malaysia Aviation Group.
The airline now serves nine destinations across Greater China, following the resumption of daily flights to Chengdu in January and the introduction of daily services to Shenzhen and Changsha in July. Other destinations include Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong and Taipei.
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From 25 October, Malaysia Airlines and China Southern Airlines are scheduled to expand their codeshare partnership to five additional
routes linking Kuala Lumpur with Shenzhen, Changsha, Xiamen, Chengdu and Zhengzhou. The arrangement will provide passengers with more booking options across the airlines’ combined networks.
Other carriers are strengthening connections between the two countries. Shandong Airlines launched a daily Jinan–Kuala Lumpur service on 19 January 2026, operating a Boeing 737 with 176 seats. Juneyao Airlines has also introduced a direct service from Wuxi, while China Eastern Airlines has added a Hefei–Kuala Lumpur route.
The expansion follows continued growth in Chinese travel to Malaysia. Tourism Malaysia reported 4.7 million Chinese visitor arrivals in 2025, up 25.1% from the previous year.
Beyond Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Airlines’ Bonus Side Trip programme allows eligible international transit passengers to include a domestic stop at one of eight Malaysian destinations, including Penang, Langkawi and Kuching.
The airline is also developing its distribution channels in China through agreements with Huawei, Weixin Pay and TravelSky Technology, aimed at improving booking access and travel information.
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Tourism Malaysia plans to continue working with airlines and travel trade partners in China to promote itineraries showcasing the country’s attractions, cuisine, festivals and hospitality.
