SEPANG – KL International Airport (KLIA) continues to expand its international network and strengthen its regional hub status with the latest arrival of Juneyao Airlines from China. The airline operates four direct flights weekly from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) using the Airbus A320, enhancing convenience for both business and leisure travellers while offering greater flexibility and choice on this key route.

Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani, Managing Director of Malaysia Airports commented, “Southeast Asia continues to be Malaysia’s strongest aviation market, accounting for over 8.1 million passenger movements or 45.1% of total international traffic at KLIA for the year-to-date (YTD) period ending May 2025. The arrival of Juneyao Airlines not only reinforces KLIA’s position as a key gateway between the two regions but also adds valuable seat capacity and greater flight frequency on the Shanghai–Kuala Lumpur route. This new service will stimulate network growth and strengthen regional connectivity, particularly in high-potential markets such as China.”

Juneyao Airlines is now the fifth carrier to operate direct flights on the Shanghai–Kuala Lumpur route. This new service also marks the airline’s second destination in Malaysia, following its entry into Penang in early May 2025.

Over the past two months, Malaysia Airports has further strengthened its international air connectivity with the addition of three Chinese carriers and the launch of new routes linking major Chinese cities to both Kuala Lumpur and Penang. The total number of Chinese airlines operating at KL International Airport (KLIA) has now reached 10, double the pre-pandemic figure while Penang International Airport currently hosts six.

Malaysia Airports welcomes these strategic additions to its growing list of airline partners and remains committed to delivering exceptional service and infrastructure.

SEPANG – Terminal 2 at KL International Airport (KLIA) has recently opened a Calm Room as an extension of The Butterfly Effect service, Malaysia Airports’ effort to support passengers with hidden disabilities. First introduced at Terminal 1, the Calm Room is designed for individuals with autism, ADHD, global developmental delay (GDD), and other sensory processing challenges. This facility reflects Malaysia Airports’ commitment to providing accessible and inclusive services for all travellers. Since the launch of The Butterfly Effect in April 2021, over 4,450 passengers have received support for a safe and seamless journey.

According to Managing Director of Malaysia Airports, Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani, “We are committed to making inclusivity a standard across all our airports. The expansion of The Butterfly Effect reflects this commitment by offering barrier-free, supportive travel experiences for passengers with hidden disabilities. This initiative goes beyond facilities as it also empowers our frontliners with the training to better assist diverse passenger needs. We are thankful for the continued support from our partners and ministries, whose expertise has been key in helping create a more accessible and welcoming airport environment.”

Malaysia Airports has been working closely with various partners and government ministries to advance inclusivity across its network. Key collaborators include the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM), the Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credentialing Board (QABA), IDEAS Autism Centre, and Autism Behavioral Center (ABC), as well as the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development.

The Calm Room at KLIA Terminal 2 is located on the Mezzanine Floor (Level 3A) of the Departure Hall. This purpose-built, low-stimulation space offers a calming environment for passengers with sensory sensitivities or anxiety. Features include adjustable lighting, sensory wall panels, secure CCTV access, fire safety systems, and a variety of therapeutic tools such as bubble tubes, fiber optic lights, plush toys, quiet seating areas, and calming audio.

As part of its ongoing commitment to a warm and supportive travel experience, Malaysia Airports is offering a complimentary special edition teddy bear to the first 50 users of the new Calm Room at KLIA Terminal 2. The gift is available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

To access the Calm Room, passengers or caregivers can proceed to the main information counter at the Departure Hall (Terminal 1 or Terminal 2) to receive further assistance. We encourage early registration for The Butterfly Effect experience via the official Malaysia Airports website for smoother coordination and to ensure the necessary support is prepared in advance.

SEPANG – Penang International Airport (PEN) today welcomed Cambodia Airways (KR) as its 18th foreign airline, marking the launch of the first direct service between Phnom Penh (PNH) and PEN. The twice-weekly service, operated using an Airbus A320 aircraft, is Cambodia Airways’ second international route to Malaysia, complementing its existing Phnom Penh–Kuala Lumpur service.

According to Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani, Managing Director of Malaysia Airports, “As the second new airline to commence operations at PEN this year, following Sichuan Airlines, Cambodia Airways’ entry strengthens Penang’s position as a key northern gateway and enhances our strategic role in advancing regional air connectivity. More importantly, this new direct link with Phnom Penh aligns with the ASEAN Connectivity Master Plan 2025, reinforcing Malaysia’s commitment to deeper regional integration. It opens new pathways for trade and cross-border collaboration, positioning Penang as a vital node in the ASEAN economic network.”

Beyond Cambodia, Penang already offers direct flights to key ASEAN countries including Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Myanmar, cementing its status as an emerging hub for commerce and tourism in the region. The arrival of Cambodia Airways reflects PEN’s continued efforts to broaden its network and improve passenger connectivity in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia 2026.

From January to May 2025, Penang International Airport recorded 3.4 million passengers, a 12.0% increase compared to the same period last year. Of this, 53% were international passengers and 47% were domestic.

SEPANG - Malaysia Airports continues to expand international air connectivity in May 2025 with the recent entry of two Chinese carriers and the launch of new routes connecting key Chinese cities to Kuala Lumpur and Penang. This brings the total number of Chinese carriers operating at KL International Airport (KLIA) to 9, almost double the number recorded before the COVID-19 pandemic, significantly enhancing KLIA’s role as a key regional hub bridging North Asia and Southeast Asia.

On 30 April 2025, Sichuan Airlines made its debut at Penang International Airport (PEN) with the commencement of direct flights from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU). This marks Sichuan Airlines’ first entry into northern Malaysia, operating five weekly flights, offering enhanced access between western China and Penang.

Meanwhile, Hainan Airlines commenced four times weekly direct services from Haikou Meilan International Airport to KLIA. As a new airline partner at KLIA, Hainan Airlines further strengthens connectivity between southern China and Malaysia’s capital city.

Adding to the momentum, China Eastern Airlines introduced the Lanzhou-Kunming-KLIA route with three times weekly flights, significantly enhancing accessibility from China’s northwest and southwest regions to Malaysia, catering to both leisure and business travel.

According to Malaysia Airports Managing Director, Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani, “These new routes and airline entries are a reflection of our ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral connectivity and stimulate passenger growth. China remains one of Malaysia’s top tourism and trade partners, and we are pleased to support the expansion of flight operations between both countries. We remain committed to facilitating this growth by ensuring our airports are well-equipped to support our airline partners. These new connections not only support inbound tourism ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 but also enhance Malaysia’s standing as a key gateway in the region.”

In May 2025, Malaysia Airports’ network of local airports handled 8.4 million passenger movements, with 4.1 million international and 4.3 million domestic travellers. Meanwhile, Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (ISG), its wholly-owned asset in Türkiye, recorded 4.0 million total passengers comprising 2.2 million international and 1.8 million domestic, further reinforcing the group’s strong aviation footprint.