The Deputy Chairman of the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia), Dato Yeoh Soon Hin, announced that the direct Penang–Xi’an route operated by Loong Air is likely to resume soon—providing a welcome boost to the local tourism sector.
“This is an encouraging development for tourism industry players,” Yeoh said. “Tourism Malaysia remains in close communication with Loong Air, which is currently planning to restart the route in June. Although the exact date is yet to be confirmed, discussions are ongoing, and both parties are monitoring market response closely.”
In addition to this, Loong Air is preparing to launch a new direct route between Kuala Lumpur and Xi’an, with three weekly flights. The inaugural service is anticipated by late June and is currently in the application and preparatory stages.
Yeoh emphasized Tourism Malaysia’s broader strategy to expand international flight connectivity beyond the capital city.
“We’re committed to ensuring all Malaysian states benefit from Visit Malaysia Year 2026,” he said. “To do that, we are actively working with airlines to secure more direct international flights that bring tourists directly into various parts of the country—not just Kuala Lumpur.”