PETALING JAYA: The introduction of the new Shanghai–Kuala Lumpur flight route comes at a pivotal time for Malaysia’s tourism sector, which is seeing strong growth in arrivals from China ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VMY 2026).
From January to August this year, Malaysia has received 3.3 million Chinese visitors, a 27.5% increase compared with the same period in 2024 and close to the 3.7 million arrivals recorded for the whole of last year, said Tourism Malaysia deputy chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin (pic).
The new daily Spring Airlines service, he said, is expected to further strengthen this upward trend.
"We warmly welcome the inaugural Spring Airlines flight on the Shanghai–Kuala Lumpur route. This daily service enhances direct connectivity with Eastern China and presents important opportunities for cultural exchange, tourism development and bilateral economic cooperation," he said in a statement on Tuesday (Dec 2).
Yeoh also expressed appreciation for the cooperation that made the reinstated service possible.
"Our gratitude goes to Spring Airlines for restoring this important connection," he said.
"We also thank Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, the Embassy of China and all our partners whose support enabled the launch of this route.
"Continued collaboration among airlines, airport authorities and government agencies remains essential to sustain tourism recovery and maximise mutual benefits," he said.
Malaysia, he added, is eager to showcase its culture, landscapes and hospitality.
"We look forward to building enduring community and business links through this renewed connectivity,” he said.
