As Malaysia intensifies its push towards Visit Malaysia 2026, air connectivity continues to play a decisive role – and the resumption of Xiamen Airlines’ direct Hangzhou-Kuala Lumpur service marks a timely and strategic boost.
Tourism Malaysia has welcomed the return of Xiamen Airlines on the Hangzhou-Kuala Lumpur route, reaffirming the airline’s long-term commitment to strengthening travel links between Malaysia and China. The reinstated flight, MF8713, touched down at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 at 2.45 pm, marking the airline’s return to the route after a suspension that began in 2018.
Operated using a Boeing 737-800 aircraft with a 169-seat capacity, the service significantly improves access from Eastern China, particularly Hangzhou and its surrounding catchment areas. Beyond tourism, the route is positioned to support business travel and cultural exchanges – an increasingly important mix as regional travel demand continues to rebound.
The official welcoming ceremony was attended by senior representatives from both sides, including Tourism Malaysia Director-General Mohd Amirul Rizal Abdul Rahim, Deputy Director-General (Promotion II) Samuel Lee Thai Hung, Senior Director of International Promotion Divisions (Asia/Africa) Nuwal Fadhilah Ku Azmi, Xiamen Airlines General Manager Gao Ya Shuang, as well as representatives from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad.
Mohd Amirul Rizal said the resumption of the direct service enhances connectivity between Eastern China and Malaysia, simplifying travel for Chinese visitors while strengthening tourism and economic cooperation between the two countries.
For Locco, this development underscores a key truth in destination marketing: visibility begins with accessibility. As Malaysia prepares to welcome the world in 2026, restoring high-demand air routes is not just a logistical win – it is a signal of confidence in the market and in Malaysia’s appeal as a regional gateway.
The timing is strategic.
With VM2026 set to officially kick off in less than a month, improved air access allows Chinese travellers to more easily experience Malaysia’s diverse offerings – from cultural heritage and culinary journeys to island escapes and nature-based adventures.
The VM2026 national countdown will begin with the VM2026 Eve Celebration in Kuala Lumpur on Dec 31, featuring a city-wide countdown, festivals and cultural performances.
China remains one of Malaysia’s most important source markets.
From January to August 2025, Malaysia recorded 3.3 million visitor arrivals from China – a 27.5 per cent year-on-year increase compared with the same period in 2024. The return of the Hangzhou–Kuala Lumpur route builds directly on this momentum, strengthening Malaysia’s position ahead of its ambitious target of welcoming 47 million international visitors under VM2026./LOCCO
