Malaysia Welcomes Sichuan Airlines: New Direct Flights from Chongqing to Kuala Lumpur Boost 2026 Tourism Goals

Published on December 24, 2025

The skyline of Kuala Lumpur just gained a new frequent visitor. In a significant boost to Southeast Asian connectivity, Sichuan Airlines has officially launched its inaugural direct flight between Chongqing and Kuala Lumpur, marking a pivotal moment in the strengthening of ties between China and Malaysia as we head into 2026.

On December 22, 2025, flight 3U 3773 touched down at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 at approximately 11:45 PM. The arrival wasn’t just another scheduled landing; it was a celebration of a growing partnership, greeted by high-ranking officials from Tourism Malaysia and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB).

A New Gateway for the Southwest

Chongqing, often called the “Mountain City” or the “Bridge Capital of China,” is a massive industrial and tourism hub in Southwest China. For travelers in this region, the new direct service eliminates the need for exhausting layovers, cutting travel time down to a comfortable 5 hours and 30 minutes.

Operating three times per week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday), the route utilizes a fleet of Airbus A321 and A320 aircraft. With a capacity of 160 passengers per flight, the service adds vital seat capacity to a market that is currently hungry for international exploration.

Why This Matters: The Road to “Visit Malaysia 2026”

This route launch is a strategic piece of the puzzle for Malaysia’s ambitious Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, which aims to welcome 47 million international visitors.

Samuel Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General of Tourism Malaysia, emphasised that this connection is about more than just numbers. “The direct connectivity improves travel convenience for visitors from Chongqing and surrounding regions, while reinforcing Malaysia’s positioning as a preferred travel destination in Southeast Asia,” he stated during the welcoming ceremony.

The numbers certainly back up the optimism. From January to August 2025, Malaysia saw a 27.5% increase in arrivals from China compared to the previous year, totaling 3.3 million visitors. With the mutual visa-free agreement between the two nations now firmly in place (allowing stays up to 30 days), the friction of travel has vanished, replaced by a seamless “book-and-fly” experience.

What Awaits Chinese Travelers in Malaysia?

For the residents of Chongqing, Kuala Lumpur offers a stark and beautiful contrast. While Chongqing is famous for its misty river views and spicy hotpot, Kuala Lumpur serves as a gateway to:

• Diverse Heritage: From the colonial architecture of Merdeka Square to the vibrant street art of Bukit Bintang.
• Retail Paradise: World-class shopping at Pavilion KL and Suria KLCC, often featuring luxury brands at competitive prices due to favorable exchange rates.
• Nature & Islands: Easy transfers to the white sands of Langkawi or the lush rainforests of Sarawak and Sabah.

Expanding the Sichuan Footprint

This Chongqing service is Sichuan Airlines’ second major connection to Malaysia, building on the success of its existing route from Chengdu. The airline’s expansion reflects a broader trend of Chinese carriers looking toward Malaysia as a primary regional hub.

As of late 2025, the number of Chinese carriers operating at KLIA has nearly doubled since the pre-pandemic era. This competition is a win for travelers, leading to better in-flight services and more competitive pricing across the board.

The Human Element: A Warm Welcome

The inaugural flight was not merely a corporate event. Passengers stepping off the plane were met with the famous “Malaysian Hospitality.” The welcoming committee included Tourism Malaysia’s mascots, Wira and Manja, who joined the Sichuan Airlines crew for photos, creating a festive atmosphere that turned a late-night arrival into a memorable start to a vacation.

For the flight crew and the 160 passengers on board, the water salute and the presence of top tourism officials served as a reminder: the bridge between Chongqing and Kuala Lumpur is now open, and the welcome has never been warmer.

Looking Ahead

As 2025 concludes, the aviation landscape between China and Malaysia is more robust than ever. With more routes planned for cities like Kuching, Johor Bahru, and Penang, the “Mega-Decade” of Malaysian tourism is off to a flying start. Whether for business, family reunions, or a long-awaited holiday, the skies between the Mountain City and the Garden City are officially busier, friendlier, and more connected.