Tourism Malaysia Boosts Connectivity and Tourism with Loong Air’s Xi’an to Penang Flights

Published on January 7, 2025

Tourism Malaysia celebrated the launch of Loong Air’s new route connecting Xi’an, China, to Penang, Malaysia, with a special welcome ceremony at Penang International Airport. The service, operated by an Airbus A320 with 168 seats, is scheduled to run twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays.

The inaugural flight was warmly welcomed by YBhg. Dato’ Yeoh Soon Hin, Deputy Chairman of Tourism Malaysia, YBhg. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, and Madam Ding Qiao, Vice Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Penang. The event also brought together representatives from Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad, Loong Air officials, Ground Team Red Sdn Bhd (GTR)—Loong Air’s exclusive ground handling partner—Penang state officials, members of the media, and other key stakeholders.

“This new route is part of Loong Air’s strategy to expand its international reach, a result of YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture’s efforts during his official working visit to China. This expansion is also a testament to Malaysia as a preferred destination for Chinese tourists, especially from northern China,” said YBhg. Dato’ Yeoh Soon Hin, Deputy Chairman of Tourism Malaysia.

The launch of this route supports the goals of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Malaysia has witnessed a significant surge in tourist arrivals from China in recent months, recording 3,038,314 visitors in 2024—a remarkable increase of 132.7% compared to the previous year. The extension of the visa-free policy until December 2026, coupled with the expanding connectivity between Malaysia and China, is expected to further drive these numbers and strengthen cultural ties between the two nations.