Malaysia is strengthening its position as a prime tourist destination by expanding its air connectivity with new direct flights from India and China.
These new routes, operated by AirAsia and Shanghai Airlines, are expected to significantly boost tourist arrivals and deepen cultural and economic ties between Malaysia and these two crucial markets.
Enhanced Connectivity with India
On August 2, 2024, Tourism Malaysia announced the launch of new AirAsia direct flights connecting Guwahati and Kozhikode (Calicut) in India to Kuala Lumpur. These routes are set to operate thrice weekly, offering Indian travelers seamless access to Malaysia without the need for visa or flight transfers. The new direct flights are part of a strategic effort to make Malaysia more accessible to Indian tourists, who can now enjoy the country’s diverse attractions, from the urban landscapes of Kuala Lumpur to the serene beaches of Langkawi and the cultural heritage of Penang.
Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, expressed excitement over the new partnership with AirAsia, highlighting the importance of these routes in promoting tourism and strengthening bilateral relations between India and Malaysia. “We are confident these routes will boost tourist arrivals and provide visitors with unforgettable experiences in Malaysia,” Periasamy said.
India has long been a significant tourism market for Malaysia. With these new flights, Tourism Malaysia aims to welcome 1 million Indian tourists by the end of 2024. The timing of these new routes coincides with a remarkable increase in Indian tourist arrivals, which surged by 80.2% in April 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, bringing in 295,000 visitors. This growth reflects the rising interest among Indian travelers in exploring Malaysia’s rich cultural and natural attractions.
New Opportunities with China
In addition to enhancing ties with India, Malaysia has also made significant strides in strengthening its air connectivity with China. On August 1, 2024, Penang International Airport welcomed Shanghai Airlines’ inaugural flight from Shanghai, marking the start of a new route that will operate three times a week. This new connection is expected to significantly enhance tourist traffic between the two regions, offering Chinese travelers more convenient access to Malaysia’s attractions.
The arrival of the first flight from Shanghai was marked by a ceremonial water salute, symbolizing the strong ties between the two destinations. YBhg. Dato’ Yeoh Soon Hin, Deputy Chairman of Tourism Malaysia, was present to welcome the passengers, along with representatives from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), Penang Global Tourism (PGT), and Shanghai Airlines.
Shanghai Airlines, a subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines, already operates several weekly flights to Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu. This new service to Penang is part of Malaysia’s broader strategy to attract more tourists from various cities across China, especially following the implementation of the visa-free policy for Chinese travelers in December 2023. This policy, in effect until December 2026, has led to a dramatic surge in tourist arrivals from China. As of May 2024, Malaysia welcomed 1,185,050 visitors from China, a 194% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
Double Celebrations with Ningbo Routes
Adding to the momentum, AirAsia launched new routes from Ningbo, China, to Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu. The first flight from Ningbo landed in Kuala Lumpur on August 1, 2024, and the new routes will operate thrice weekly on an Airbus A320. This expansion is seen as a significant milestone in boosting tourist traffic from Zhejiang Province, which previously had only one route from Hangzhou to Malaysia.
These new flights are the result of concerted efforts by Malaysia’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, YB Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, whose official visits to China have yielded positive outcomes. These routes provide Chinese travelers with effortless access to Malaysia’s renowned attractions, from the iconic Petronas Twin Towers to the pristine beaches of Sipadan Island and the cultural treasures of Malacca.
The visa-free policy for Chinese nationals has played a crucial role in increasing bookings to Malaysia, and the introduction of these new routes is expected to further stimulate travel demand. Tourism Malaysia remains committed to forming strategic partnerships and collaborations with international airlines to boost promotional efforts and ensure continued growth in tourist arrivals from China.
Future for Malaysia’s Tourism
The introduction of these new flight routes from India and China marks a significant step forward for Malaysia’s tourism industry. By enhancing connectivity with key markets, Malaysia is not only making it easier for travelers to explore its rich offerings but is also fostering closer ties with India and China. With these efforts, Malaysia is well on its way to achieving its ambitious goal of welcoming millions of tourists from these regions, ensuring a bright future for its tourism sector.
