‍DALLAS – AirAsia (AK) is expanding its reach into mainland China by launching two new routes from Malaysia. 

The Kuala Lumpur (KUL)-based carrier will launch flights between Penang (PEN) and Shenzhen (SZX) and between Kota Kinabalu (BKI) and Shantou (SWA). SZX and SWA are located in China’s Guangdong province. Both destinations are known for their economic trading ports, coastlines, and modern park attractions.

The low-cost carrier (LCC) will launch these routes in the year's fourth quarter. AK says these new services will commence in October and November, respectively. Flights between Penang International Airport and Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport will commence on October 28.

The route will be operated four times a week. Meanwhile, flights between Kota Kinabalu International Airport and Shantou Airport will begin on November 16. These will be operated three times a week.

• ‍Penang to Shenzen: Flight AK 1690 will depart from PEN at 2245 (local time) and arrive in SZX at 0235 (local time) the following morning. Flights will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.‍
• Shenzen to Penang: Flight AK 1691 will depart from SZX at 0340 (local time) and arrive in PEN at 0730 (local time) the same day. Flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.‍
• Kota Kinabalu Shantou: Flight AK 1524 will depart from BKI at 1140 (local time) and arrive in SWA at 1510 (local time) the same day. Flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.‍
• Shantou to Kota Kinabalu: Flight AK 1525 will depart from SWA at 1555 (local time) and arrive in BKI at 1855 (local time) the same day. Flights will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Eased Entry for Travellers

Positive passenger numbers are expected for these new routes. This is helpful because Malaysia does not require visitor visas for Chinese passport holders. It dropped visa entry requirements for Chinese nationals in May this year. 

That said, China has also eased entry for Malaysian passport holders. The Chinese government has granted citizens of Malaysia visa-free entry until December 31, 2025.