KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia Airlines Bhd will restart flights to Chengdu, China on Jan 9, 2026, marking its return to the route after a nine-year gap. The service, suspended in 2017 as part of a network restructuring, will connect Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) with Chengdu Tianfu International Airport via a direct daily flight. With this addition, the carrier will serve seven destinations in Greater China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong and Taipei.
Parent company Malaysia Aviation Group Bhd (MAG) said the move strengthens its position in one of Asia’s fastest-growing travel markets, supported by the recent reciprocal visa-free arrangement between Malaysia and China.
MAG group managing director Datuk Captain Izham Ismail said China recorded an average load factor of 81% in the first half of 2025, underscoring the strong demand. “With the visa-free travel arrangement now in place, we are well positioned to capture the growing demand from both leisure and business travellers in one of the world’s most dynamic markets,” he said during a media briefing.
Firefly widens regional reach
MAG’s low-cost arm, Firefly, will also expand its footprint in November with new jet services from KLIA to Krabi (Thailand), Siem Reap (Cambodia) and Cebu (the Philippines). “These additions strengthen Firefly’s role in enhancing Asean connectivity, providing travellers with seamless access to popular regional destinations while supporting tourism and trade,” MAG said.
Izham added that the group’s new routes and higher flight frequencies reflect its strategy of positioning Malaysia as a key aviation hub. “With the network expansions, upgraded products, and our people driving these efforts, MAG is ready to deliver greater value to customers while reinforcing Malaysia’s role as a gateway to Asia and beyond,” he said.
Fleet and frequency expansion
Starting October, Malaysia Airlines and Firefly will boost frequencies across their networks. Malaysia Airlines will add flights to Australia, New Zealand, China, India, the Maldives and Bangladesh, while Firefly will grow services to Singapore and major Malaysian cities including Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Penang and Johor Bahru.
The network expansion is aligned with MAG’s fleet modernisation plan, highlighted by the introduction of new Airbus A330neo aircraft on selected long-haul routes to Australia and New Zealand. The A330neo delivers better fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and supports the group’s sustainability goals.
By the first quarter of 2026, Malaysia Airlines will operate the youngest widebody fleet in Australasia, MAG said, reinforcing both its sustainability agenda and its commitment to service excellence.
Malaysia Airlines currently operates 86 aircraft, comprising 54 narrowbody and 32 widebody jets. The airline has already received six Airbus A330neo and 14 Boeing 737-8 aircraft this year, with two more A330neos due before the end of 2025.
