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SEPANG — Malaysia Airlines (MH) is expanding its network, adding routes to two cities in China and reviving direct flights to Fukuoka, Japan (FUK). The Malaysia Airlines Group (MAG) announced on Friday, April 3, that it will launch new services between Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Shenzhen (SZX) and Changsha (SZX) from July to September 2026.
In a press conference, MAG president and chief executive officer Nasaruddin Bakar said that the “market is very fluid” due to the Middle East conflict, but sees this “crisis as an opportunity” to expand. He said the MAG has locked in about 36% of its fuel needs for the year, with the goal of raising that to 50% by the second quarter.
“Fuel prices are highly volatile, but we are ready. We are prepared to ensure that our products and assets continue to operate,” Bakar said.
Other airlines are cutting back on their schedules. For instance, in the Philippines, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines have canceled select flights. Both airlines, however, said that they have enough supply until June 2026.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Malaysia, the second-largest oil producer in Southeast Asia, pumping more than 555,000 barrels per day, has enough supply but warned that the effects of the Middle East conflict could be felt if it drags on for another one to two months.
MAG also purchased 10 A330neos and 14 Boeing 737-8s as new additions to its fleet.
China routes expansion
MAG said travel demand remains strong, particularly from China and India.
In addition to the new routes, the group operates service to Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), Xiamen (XMN), and Chengdu Tianfu (TFU). The airline also operates nonstop flights to Hong Kong and Taipei (TPE).
China is the second-largest source of international visitors to Malaysia in 2025, with over 4.66 million arrivals, based on data from the Malaysia Tourism Promotions Board. It trails neighboring Singapore, which recorded more than 21 million arrivals.
Featured image: Zixu Li/Airways
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