≡-Kuala Lumpur Gains Direct Link To Xi’an As Malaysia Collaborates With Loong Air To Expand Air Travel And Attract More Chinese Tourists In 2025 – Viral of Today
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Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Kuala Lumpur Gains Direct Link To Xi’an As Malaysia Collaborates With Loong Air To Expand Air Travel And Attract More Chinese Tourists In 2025 Thursday, July 10, 2025Kuala Lumpur gains a vital new air link to Xi’an as Malaysia collaborates with Loong Air to expand direct connectivity and attract more Chinese tourists in 2025, marking a strategic move to strengthen tourism ties, boost visitor arrivals, and position the country for heightened inbound travel ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.Malaysia has officially welcomed the inaugural direct flight from Xi’an to Kuala Lumpur, marking a significant advancement in its tourism strategy and economic ties with China. The new service began operations at Terminal 2 of Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), opening a key air corridor between China’s ancient capital and Malaysia’s modern metropolis.This launch represents more than a new route—it signals a strengthening of aviation connectivity and mutual growth opportunities between the two nations. The route is expected to support increased tourist arrivals, promote cultural exchange, and deepen commercial cooperation across sectors.Flight Operations and ScheduleThe Xi’an to Kuala Lumpur route is served by a 174-seat Airbus A320 aircraft, with flights scheduled three times weekly—every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.Flight GJ8721 takes off from Xi’an Xianyang International Airport at 8:35 PM and touches down at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) at 1:55 AM.Return Flight GJ8722 takes off from Kuala Lumpur at 2:55 AM and lands in Xi’an at 7:55 AM.The schedule offers convenient overnight travel options for both Chinese and Malaysian passengers and facilitates smooth business and leisure movement between the two destinations.Support for Malaysia’s Tourism VisionThis launch aligns closely with the national tourism campaign, Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), which aims to attract millions of international visitors. China remains one of Malaysia’s most valuable tourist source markets, and the addition of direct air links from second-tier Chinese cities plays a crucial role in expanding market reach.From January to April 2025, Malaysia welcomed nearly one million four hundred forty thousand tourists from China, marking a significant 37.8 percent rise over the same four-month span in 2024. This sharp increase highlights the growing demand for international travel and reinforces Malaysia’s rising popularity as a preferred vacation spot among Chinese travelers.Visa-Free Access Accelerates MomentumMalaysia’s visa-free entry policy for Chinese citizens, which remains valid through 31 December 2026, further enhances travel accessibility. This policy eliminates entry barriers, encourages longer stays, and contributes to higher spending across Malaysia’s tourism, retail, and hospitality industries.Seamless entry procedures are expected to encourage not only vacationers but also business travelers and long-stay tourists seeking new experiences and opportunities in Malaysia.A Strategic Expansion into Southeast AsiaLoong Air’s entry into the Malaysian market reflects a broader strategic expansion into Southeast Asia. The airline’s decision to connect with Kuala Lumpur—one of the region’s busiest aviation hubs—shows its intent to deepen market presence and tap into the rapidly growing Southeast Asian travel demand.This development also positions Malaysia as a gateway for travelers heading to other destinations in ASEAN, leveraging the country’s well-established infrastructure, airline connectivity, and tourism appeal.Strengthening Bilateral CooperationThe Xi’an–Kuala Lumpur route serves not only as a travel convenience but also as a platform to advance bilateral cooperation in tourism, business, and cultural exchange. As trade flows and visitor numbers grow, the route will help diversify economic activities and foster new partnerships between businesses and institutions in both countries.Malaysia’s emphasis on aviation development as part of its tourism policy is evident in this collaboration. It also signals potential for future route additions from other Chinese cities seeking stronger regional access.Broader Impact on Tourism EcosystemThis new air link strengthens Malaysia’s competitive edge in attracting Chinese travelers who are increasingly seeking new and accessible international destinations. With more connectivity, the benefits will extend beyond Kuala Lumpur to other popular spots like Penang, Langkawi, and Sabah, enabling broader tourism distribution.The country’s tourism ecosystem—from hotels and transport providers to cultural attractions and shopping centers—is expected to gain from the expanded visitor flow. Airlines, too, stand to benefit from improved seat utilization and strategic network development.Malaysia has launched a new direct Kuala Lumpur–Xi’an route with Loong Air to expand air connectivity and attract more Chinese tourists in 2025, reinforcing its tourism goals ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.As Malaysia prepares for Visit Malaysia 2026, the launch of this new route represents a key step in the broader effort to expand the country’s global air connectivity. By prioritizing seamless entry, attractive travel incentives, and a welcoming cultural experience, Malaysia is positioning itself as a top-choice destination for international tourists.New airline partnerships, visa-friendly policies, and infrastructure upgrades are expected to continue in the coming months, further solidifying Malaysia’s place on the global travel map.Quick Facts:Route: Xi’an (XIY) – Kuala Lumpur (KUL)Aircraft: Airbus A320 (174 seats)Frequency: Tuesdays, Thursdays, SaturdaysFlight Timing:Inbound GJ8721: Departs XIY 8:35 PM, Arrives KUL 1:55 AMOutbound GJ8722: Departs KUL 2:55 AM, Arrives XIY 7:55 AMChinese Visitors to Malaysia (Jan–Apr 2025): 1.44 millionGrowth Compared to 2024: 37.8%Visa-Free Policy Valid Until: 31 December 2026Tags: Air Connectivity, Airline News, Chinese travelers, Kuala Lumpur, Loong Air, malaysia, Tourism news, travel industry, Travel News, visa-free travel, Visit Malaysia 2026, Xi’an
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