Malaysia Airlines to resume flights to Chengdu after nine years

KUALA LUMPUR (Sept 5): Malaysia Airlines Bhd will resume flights to Chengdu, China from Jan 9, 2026, after a nine-year hiatus.

The flights, which were suspended in 2017 as part of a broader network restructuring, will resume from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to the Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, with a direct daily service. The service will bring the national airline’s network in Greater China to seven destinations, which currently comprises Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong and Taipei.

In a statement on Friday, parent company Malaysia Aviation Group Bhd (MAG) said the expansion reinforces the airline group’s presence in one of Asia’s fastest-growing markets for both leisure and business travel. The move is also supported by the recent implementation of reciprocal visa-free travel between Malaysia and China.

According to MAG group managing director Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, China recorded an average load factor of 81% in the first half of 2025, underscoring the market’s strong demand and strategic importance for the group.

"With the support of the mutual visa-free arrangement between Malaysia and China, this expansion positions us to capture growing demand in one of the world’s most dynamic travel markets," he said at a media briefing to announce MAG's network expansion on Friday.

Firefly expands regional reach

MAG's low-cost subsidiary FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd will also expand its network with the launch of new jet services from KLIA to Krabi (Thailand), Siem Reap (Cambodia) and Cebu (the Philippines) starting November.

"These additions strengthen Firefly’s role in enhancing regional connectivity, providing travellers with seamless access to popular destinations across Asean, while supporting both tourism and business travel," said MAG.

Izham said the new routes and increased frequencies across the network reflect the group’s commitment to positioning Malaysia as a key aviation hub.

“With these expanded services, MAG is reinforcing its role as the gateway to Asia and beyond, making it easier for travellers to access top destinations across the region and further afield.

"At the same time, we remain focused on delivering a premium in-flight experience that reflects our commitment to Malaysian hospitality. With the networks we are expanding, the products we are enhancing and the people driving these efforts, MAG is ready to meet the future with confidence and deliver value for our customers and our nation," he added.

Beginning October, both Malaysia Airlines and Firefly will increase flight frequencies across their networks.

Malaysia Airlines will add services to Australia, New Zealand, China, India, the Maldives and Bangladesh, while Firefly will enhance regional and domestic connectivity, including to Singapore, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Penang and Johor Bahru.

These network expansions are aligned with MAG’s fleet modernisation strategy, which includes the introduction of its new Airbus A330neo aircraft on select long-haul routes to Australia and New Zealand. The A330neo offers improved fuel efficiency, enhanced passenger comfort and aligns with the group’s sustainability objectives.

"By the first quarter of 2026, Malaysia Airlines will operate the youngest widebody fleet into Australasia, a milestone that underscores both the airline group’s sustainability agenda and its commitment to delivering service excellence with the signature warmth of Malaysian hospitality," said MAG.

Malaysia Airlines currently has a fleet of 86 aircraft, comprising 54 narrowbody and 32 widebody aircraft. The airline has taken delivery of six Airbus A330neo widebody and 14 Boeing 737-8 narrowbody aircraft this year. Two more A330neos are expected before the end of 2025.