Malaysia Airlines reports 27% passenger growth across China network in H1 2026
Malaysia Airlines-1
The airline expects to carry more than 52,000 passengers on services to and from China during the upcoming Golden Week holiday period (September 26 – October 11, 2026), representing a 21% increase year-on-year.
Malaysia Airlines is strengthening its presence in China through an expanded network, deeper digital partnerships and closer collaboration with the travel trade, building on growing demand between China and Malaysia while reinforcing Kuala Lumpur’s position as a gateway to Malaysia and the wider region.
The airline hosted its China Trade Gala on September 22, 2026, in Shanghai, bringing together travel trade leaders and corporate partners to celebrate shared achievements and reaffirm the airline’s long-term commitment to the market. In the first half of 2026, the airline reportedly carried more than 600,000 passengers on its China services, up 27% compared to the same period last year, with an average load factor of 84%.
The airline expects to carry more than 52,000 passengers on services to and from China during the upcoming Golden Week holiday period (September 26 – October 11, 2026), representing a 21% increase year-on-year.
Captain Nasaruddin A. Bakar, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), said, “China is a priority growth market for Malaysia Airlines, and the expansion of our network to nine gateways reflects our confidence in its long-term potential. The progress we are making has been made possible by the trust of our customers and the close collaboration of our government, travel trade, corporate and industry partners. As MAG enters its next phase of growth under our Long-Term Business Plan 3.0 (LTBP3.0), we will continue to position Kuala Lumpur as a gateway to Asia and beyond, while investing in the network, fleet, operating capabilities and locally relevant partnerships needed to serve Chinese travellers at scale. Guided by Malaysian Hospitality, we remain committed to bringing people and places close together across China, Malaysia and the wider region.”
In 2026, the airline said it would have restored daily services to Chengdu and introduced new daily flights to Shenzhen and Changsha, extending its reach across Western China, the Greater Bay Area and Central China. With these additions, Malaysia Airlines now serves 9 gateways in China, complemented by existing services to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong and Taipei.
The network is expected to grow further through sister airline Firefly, which plans to commence daily services between Kuala Lumpur and Kunming, subject to regulatory approval. Operated by the Boeing 737-800 aircraft, the route will establish a new direct link between Yunnan and Malaysia, supporting leisure, business, education and cultural travel while providing greater access to Malaysia and onwards destinations through Kuala Lumpur.
Deepening digital connections alongside its network expansion, Malaysia Airlines is strengthening its digital presence in China through partnerships with major technology and travel platforms. In conjunction with the China Trade Gala, the airline formalised three Memoranda of Understanding with Huawei, Weixin Pay, and TravelSky Technology Limited.
