Loong Air debuts its Xi’an-Penang route

Loong Air flew the inaugural flight of its new Xi’an-Penang route into Penang International Airport on Monday 30th December.

The new service operates twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays on a 168-seater Airbus A320. 

Passengers and crew aboard the flight were warmly welcomed by Tourism Malaysia deputy chair Yeoh Soon Hin, director-general Manoharan Periasamy, and Ding Qiao, China’s vice-consul-general in Penang.

Also present for the arrival were officials from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, Loong Air, Ground Team Red Sdn Bhd (GTR), Penang’s state government, as well as members of the media. 

Yeoh said of this new addition to Loong Air’s global network: “This new route exemplifies Loong Air’s international growth strategy. It also reaffirms Malaysia’s position as a top choice for Chinese tourists, particularly those from northern China.”

Improving ties between nations

The addition of the Xi’an-Penang route  is aligned with the objectives of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

Likewise, it  underscores Malaysia’s commitment to strengthening ties with China. 

In the past year, Chinese tourist arrivals in Malaysia surged to  over 3 million visitors, marking a 132.7 percent increase from 2023. 

Tourism Malaysia attributes this growth to policies such as visa-free travel for Chinese nationals, which has been extended until 31st December 2026, as well as improved air connectivity between the two nations. 

The new route is also expected to further elevate visitor numbers and facilitate cultural exchange, reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a welcoming and accessible destination for global travellers.