Sichuan Airlines Takes Bold Step In Expanding Its Regional Network With Direct Flight From Chongqing To Kuala Lumpur, Connecting China And Malaysia For Tourism And Trade

Published on December 22, 2025

Sichuan Airlines has expanded its international network with the launch of a direct flight between Chongqing and Kuala Lumpur, strengthening tourism, trade, and cultural connections between China and Malaysia. This new route offers travelers a more convenient and faster way to connect the two cities, eliminating the need for layovers and enhancing accessibility for both leisure and business travelers. The direct flight serves as a bridge for increased bilateral exchanges, facilitating the flow of tourists, boosting economic cooperation, and promoting closer ties between the two countries. With three weekly flights, the service represents a significant step in enhancing regional connectivity and positioning Malaysia as a preferred destination for Chinese visitors.

Sichuan Airlines has officially launched a new direct flight service between Chongqing and Kuala Lumpur, making it the airline’s second connection to Malaysia. This new route expands the airline’s presence in the region, joining the already established Chengdu-Kuala Lumpur service.

The inaugural flight, 3U 3773, landed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 at approximately 11:45 PM, establishing a direct link between Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) and KLIA (KUL). This flight is a significant milestone in improving connectivity between China and Malaysia, and it offers passengers a convenient travel option between the two cities.

Operating three times per week, the flight uses Airbus A321 and A320 aircraft, with a seating capacity of 160 passengers. This service opens up new opportunities for both business and leisure travelers looking to explore Malaysia and southern China. By offering a direct connection between Chongqing and Kuala Lumpur, Sichuan Airlines provides passengers with faster and more efficient travel, reducing the need for layovers and connecting flights.

The launch of the Chongqing to Kuala Lumpur route is seen as a strategic move to boost tourism and foster closer economic and cultural ties between the two countries. As Malaysia continues to enhance its position as a top destination in Southeast Asia, this new service adds value by improving the travel experience for Chinese tourists visiting Malaysia and vice versa.

This direct flight service is particularly valuable for travelers from Chongqing and surrounding regions who now have a quicker and more convenient way to reach Malaysia. Previously, many travelers would have to take connecting flights, which could add considerable time to their journey. With this new route, passengers can now fly directly between the two cities without the hassle of additional connections, making travel to Malaysia more accessible and attractive.

Malaysia, known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse tourism offerings, and stunning natural landscapes, is positioning itself as a top destination for international visitors. The addition of this new route reinforces Malaysia’s strategy to maintain its appeal in the competitive Southeast Asian tourism market. By connecting Chongqing, one of China’s largest cities, with Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia strengthens its role as a gateway to Southeast Asia for Chinese tourists. The move is part of a broader strategy to increase Malaysia’s share of the Chinese outbound tourism market, which has been steadily growing in recent years.

The new service also plays a crucial role in fostering greater trade and cultural exchange between China and Malaysia. As both countries continue to develop closer bilateral ties, improved air connectivity is essential in facilitating not only tourism but also business relations and people-to-people exchanges. The new route is expected to enhance trade flows and deepen cultural understanding between the two nations, providing greater opportunities for collaboration and investment.

In terms of tourism, Malaysia continues to attract growing numbers of Chinese visitors. According to recent data, from January to August 2025, Malaysia welcomed 3.3 million visitors from China, marking a 27.5% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This steady rise in Chinese arrivals underscores the importance of fostering strong air connections between the two countries. The new flight will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth of Chinese arrivals to Malaysia in the years to come.

The launch of this new route is also timely, as it aligns with Malaysia’s preparations for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), a national tourism campaign aimed at attracting 47 million international visitors and encouraging more domestic travel. The campaign is designed to stimulate the Malaysian economy by increasing tourist spending and showcasing the country’s diverse attractions, including its vibrant cities, pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and rich cultural heritage.

In addition to the tourism boost, the new flight route provides a significant opportunity to enhance bilateral trade between Malaysia and China. As trade relations between the two nations continue to grow, the direct air link facilitates the movement of goods and services, making it easier for businesses in both countries to connect and collaborate. The improved connectivity also benefits professionals, entrepreneurs, and students traveling between the two countries for work, education, and business purposes.

The new Chongqing-Kuala Lumpur flight service is expected to create a ripple effect across other industries as well, driving the demand for hospitality, retail, and entertainment sectors in both regions. With increased air traffic, businesses in both countries will benefit from higher foot traffic, creating a more dynamic and interconnected economic environment.

Sichuan Airlines has launched a direct flight between Chongqing and Kuala Lumpur, expanding its international network and strengthening tourism, trade, and cultural ties between China and Malaysia. This new route offers faster and more convenient travel, enhancing connectivity and supporting bilateral exchanges.

Overall, Sichuan Airlines’ new direct flight between Chongqing and Kuala Lumpur is a welcome addition to the growing air travel network between China and Malaysia. The new route strengthens the ties between the two countries and creates new opportunities for tourism, trade, and cultural exchange. As travel demand continues to rise, this route offers a convenient and efficient way for travelers from both countries to connect, explore, and build relationships in the region. As Malaysia continues its efforts to establish itself as a leading global tourism destination, the addition of this new direct flight represents a significant step forward in enhancing international connectivity and attracting more visitors from China.