CHONGQING (CQNEWS) -- On January 21, Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport announced the launch of a new direct international flight route from Chongqing to Kuching, Malaysia, starting January 28, 2025. This will be the only direct flight route between the Chinese mainland and Kuching, Malaysia. It will also be Chongqing's third direct flight connection to Malaysia, following Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

The new route will be operated by Firefly, a Malaysian low-cost carrier, with flights scheduled once a week. Starting January 28, 2025, the flight will depart from Kuching every Tuesday at 8:30 PM (local time) and arrive in Chongqing at 2:00 AM the following Wednesday. The return flight will depart from Chongqing every Wednesday at 3:00 AM, arriving in Kuching at 8:30 AM the same day. The flight duration is approximately 5 hours and 15 minutes, and the service will be operated using a Boeing 737. Tickets for the new route are already available for purchase, with prices starting at around 1,600 yuan for the initial flights. Passengers can book tickets through the airline’s official website or platforms such as Ctrip, Fliggy, and Qunar (all times above are local, and prices may vary based on actual bookings).

Kuching, the capital of Malaysia’s Sarawak state, is located on East Kalimantan Island. Situated in the west of Sarawak, Kuching is the largest and oldest city in East Malaysia, with the Sarawak River flowing through its center. It is home to a large population of overseas Chinese descendants, and there is a history museum showcasing the history of Chinese immigrants in the area.

Since December 2023, China and Malaysia have implemented a mutual visa exemption policy, leading to a significant increase in bilateral travel. China has been Malaysia’s largest trading partner for several years, and Malaysia is China’s ninth-largest trade partner. Last year, over 50,000 Malaysian nationals entered China through Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport. The new flight route will make travel between the two regions more convenient, further promoting tourism and trade cooperation, and injecting new momentum into Chongqing’s development as a hub for international exchanges in central and western China.

This year, Chongqing has resumed regular international flights to Colombo and Malé, launched a charter service to Chiang Mai, and plans to restart direct flights to Tokyo and introduce a charter service to Koh Samui. Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport continues to accelerate the expansion of its international network, aiming to enhance the city’s global connections and support the development of Chongqing as a comprehensive inland open hub and a key player in international aviation. (Translated by Yuki, Fathom Language Limited)