Malaysia Airlines has resumed flights between Kuala Lumpur and Chengdu, reaffirming its long-standing focus on the Greater China market while strengthening air links between Malaysia and western China. The relaunch also supports Malaysia’s inbound tourism strategy under Visit Malaysia 2026, as the national carrier continues to rebuild and expand its international network.

The inaugural flight, MH526, departed Kuala Lumpur International Airport (Terminal 1) for Chengdu Tianfu International Airport on 9 January 2026 and recorded a strong outbound load factor of 91 percent, reflecting robust demand from both leisure and business travellers. To mark the occasion, the service was operated using Malaysia Airlines’ Manchester United-themed aircraft, a nod to the football club’s strong fan base in Chengdu and a distinctive touch for the milestone flight.

A commemorative send-off event was held at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, where passengers were welcomed with Malaysia Airlines’ signature hospitality and presented with exclusive branded merchandise. Senior representatives from Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) were present, underscoring the strategic importance of the route within the group’s wider regional growth plans.

With the return of Chengdu, Malaysia Airlines now serves seven destinations across Greater China, highlighting sustained confidence in the market. The Kuala Lumpur–Chengdu service will operate up to seven times weekly, offering travellers convenient schedules and improved connectivity. Passengers flying via Kuala Lumpur can also enjoy seamless onward connections to key destinations across ASEAN, South Asia and Australasia.

The timing of the route’s resumption is particularly significant, coinciding with the extension of mutual visa-free travel arrangements between Malaysia and China. This policy allows for longer stays and is expected to stimulate greater two-way travel, benefiting tourism, trade and cultural exchange between the two countries.

Beyond passenger travel, the relaunch reflects the broader strength of Malaysia–China relations across the Malaysia Aviation Group ecosystem. This follows MASkargo’s recent special cargo operation transporting Malaysia’s new giant pandas from Chengdu to Kuala Lumpur, carried out under a renewed bilateral conservation agreement.

As Malaysia Airlines continues to expand its presence in key growth markets, the return of Chengdu reinforces its role as a vital connector between China and Southeast Asia, while supporting Malaysia’s ambitions to attract more international visitors in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia 2026.

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