Tourism Malaysia welcomed the inaugural direct flight by Juneyao Airlines connecting Sunan Shuofang International Airport in Wuxi and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on 20 March 2026, marking another significant milestone in strengthening air connectivity between Malaysia and emerging cities in China.

Operating with a modern Airbus A320neo aircraft, the new service HO1563 links Wuxi and Kuala Lumpur with three weekly flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Commencing on 19 March 2026, the flight departs Wuxi at 22:55 and arrives in Kuala Lumpur at approximately 02:50.


This newly introduced route marks Juneyao Airlines’ continued expansion into Malaysia beyond its established Shanghai network, further enhancing connectivity between the two countries. The service also improves accessibility for travellers connecting through Kuala Lumpur to other Malaysian destinations such as Tawau and Penang. As of February 2026, China is connected to Malaysia through 30 cities, with major airports including Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Penang International Airport and Kota Kinabalu International Airport operating a total of 871 flights weekly.

“The launch of this direct service between Wuxi and Kuala Lumpur reflects the growing momentum in Malaysia–China tourism connectivity. The introduction of this route by Juneyao Airlines not only strengthens air links between the two countries, but also opens the door for more travellers from Wuxi and the surrounding region to discover Malaysia’s unique charm, rich culture and diverse travel experiences,” said Mr. Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Director General of Tourism Malaysia.


Passengers on the inaugural flight were given a warm send-off during a special ceremony at Sunan Shuofang International Airport, led by Mr. Aaron Gan, Director of Tourism Malaysia Shanghai, together with representatives from Juneyao Airlines to commemorate the milestone. Upon arrival in Malaysia, they were welcomed by Ms. Noriah Jaafar, Senior Deputy Director of Tourism Malaysia, along with representatives from Juneyao Airlines.

China remains one of Malaysia’s most important tourism source markets. In 2025, Malaysia welcomed 4.7 million visitors from China, representing a 25.1 per cent year-on-year increase and highlighting the market’s strong recovery and sustained travel demand. With direct connectivity now in place, travellers including leisure tourists, business visitors and organised tour groups can enjoy greater convenience, reinforcing Kuala Lumpur’s role as a key aviation and tourism gateway.

The launch of this scheduled service aligns with the strategic objectives of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) by expanding international access and strengthening Kuala Lumpur’s position as a regional hub. Improved air connectivity is expected to encourage repeat visits, boost tourism spending and further enhance Malaysia’s appeal as a destination known for its vibrant culture, world-class cuisine, diverse shopping and unique travel experiences.



Tourism Malaysia also extends its appreciation to Juneyao Airlines for its continued partnership and support, and looks forward to strengthening this collaboration through joint promotional initiatives to showcase Malaysia’s diverse attractions to travellers from Wuxi and across China in support of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).