Friday, July 11, 2025

In a significant step toward enhancing regional connectivity and tourism, China’s low-cost carrier Loong Air has officially launched its inaugural non-stop service linking Xi’an, the ancient capital of China, to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s vibrant capital city. The route commenced operations on July 9, 2025, adding a vital air corridor between two major cultural and economic hubs in Asia.

The new route is expected to stimulate both outbound and inbound tourism, as well as encourage stronger trade, business, and cultural ties between China and Malaysia. As travel demand continues to rise across the Asia-Pacific region, this new flight service provides greater convenience and affordability for leisure and business travelers alike.

Loong Air is headquartered at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport in Zhejiang Province and continues to expand its network with a focus on international growth. The launch of the Xi’an–Kuala Lumpur route marks another milestone in the airline’s ongoing strategy to strengthen its cross-border offerings and open up access to more destinations in Southeast Asia.

Loong Air’s Xi’an–Kuala Lumpur route will be operated using an Airbus A320 aircraft, configured to accommodate 174 passengers. The flight will run three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, offering regular and convenient options for travelers.

The flight schedule is as follows:

This direct service eliminates the need for connecting flights and significantly shortens the travel time between central China and Malaysia, offering travelers a smoother and more efficient journey.

This new route reinforces Malaysia’s role as a key aviation gateway in Southeast Asia and strengthens its position within the wider ASEAN travel network. The additional air access is expected to benefit Malaysia’s broader travel and tourism ecosystem by drawing more visitors and facilitating seamless onward travel to nearby countries such as Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

The route also enhances accessibility for Malaysian tourists looking to explore central China. Xi’an, known for its deep historical significance and cultural treasures like the Terracotta Warriors, offers a rich travel experience that is now just a direct flight away.

To complement the improved connectivity, visa policies between China and Malaysia have been made more traveler-friendly, which is anticipated to further drive traffic on this new route.

Malaysia currently offers visa-free entry for Chinese passport holders until December 31, 2026, making travel easier and more attractive for tourists from China. This policy has already delivered visible results—Malaysia welcomed approximately 1.44 million Chinese tourists between January and April 2025, representing a 37.8% increase over the same period in 2024.

In a reciprocal move, Malaysian citizens can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days per visit, with this exemption valid through December 31, 2025. Discussions are ongoing to potentially extend the visa waiver by five more years, which could see mutual visa-free travel available through 2035. This long-term approach to easing travel restrictions highlights the commitment of both nations to boost tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

The launch of this air route marks more than just a new flight—it reflects a growing partnership between China and Malaysia in the fields of tourism, commerce, and cultural exchange. It also underscores Loong Air’s commitment to meeting evolving passenger needs by offering direct access to destinations of growing interest.

As borders open further and demand for international travel rebounds, the Xi’an–Kuala Lumpur connection is well positioned to become a key link in the growing web of Asia’s air travel network. It offers both Chinese and Malaysian travelers new opportunities for exploration, business, and cooperation—backed by supportive visa policies and a rising appetite for cross-border experiences.cting both countries’ commitment to deeper tourism and diplomatic ties.