BAYAN LEPAS, January 1 — Malaysia celebrated the inaugural flight of Loong Air’s Xi’an-Penang route at Penang International Airport today. The new connection operates twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays using an Airbus A320 with 168 seats, marking a significant step in strengthening ties between Malaysia and northern China.
Welcoming the flight were Tourism Malaysia Deputy Chairman YBhg. Dato’ Yeoh Soon Hin, Director General YBhg. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, and Vice Consul General of China Madam Ding Qiao, along with representatives from Malaysia Airports and Loong Air. The route reflects Malaysia’s growing appeal to Chinese tourists, evidenced by a 132.7% increase in arrivals in 2024. The initiative supports the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign, leveraging a visa-free policy extended until December 2026 to foster cultural and tourism exchange.
