Juneyao Airlines Launches Direct Route Between Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur
Juneyao Airlines has initiated its direct service from Shanghai to Kuala Lumpur, enhancing travel convenience.
Malaysia welcomes the debut of Juneyao Airlines’ direct flight from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), marking a vital step in boosting connectivity and promoting tourism collaboration between Malaysia and China.
This service operates four times weekly under flight HO1353, utilizing the Airbus A320neo aircraft, which has a capacity for 162 passengers. The new route aims to satisfy the rising demand for travel between these vibrant cities, significantly enhancing convenience for both business and leisure travelers.
Furthermore, this route supports Malaysia’s ambition to leverage Shanghai’s status as a significant market for outbound travel and a global financial center, thereby positioning Kuala Lumpur as a favored Southeast Asian gateway for Chinese visitors.
The inaugural flight’s arrival at KLIA was celebrated by Mr. Samuel Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General of Tourism Malaysia, alongside prominent figures from Juneyao Airlines, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), and Pos Aviation.
In his remarks, Samuel Lee asserted: “Tourism Malaysia is committed to collaborating closely with Chinese airlines and trade partners for ongoing growth and shared benefit. This initiative fits within national strategies aimed at broadening market outreach ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), accentuating cultural and sustainable tourism in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).
He added, “The improved air traffic connection with Shanghai will also facilitate regional integration within the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT), further solidifying Malaysia’s pivotal role in regional tourism advancement.”
From January to April 2025, Malaysia recorded 1.44 million visitors from China, reflecting a 37.8% increase compared to the same period in 2023 and 22.6% above pre-pandemic levels of 2019. The recent extension of visa-free entry for Chinese nationals until December 31, 2026, along with improved flight access, is projected to further enhance visitor growth and substantially impact Malaysia’s tourism economy.
