Tuesday, July 29, 2025
Air Asia is set to enhance regional connectivity by launching direct flights between Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, and Pontianak starting 12 September 2025. This new service will make AirAsia the only airline offering international flights to Pontianak, Indonesia, connecting two important cities in Malaysia to West Kalimantan. The expansion aims to meet growing travel demand and support economic, tourism, and business ties between Malaysia and Indonesia. By offering this direct link, AirAsia provides a convenient and affordable travel option for passengers, making it easier for both tourists and business travelers to explore opportunities in both countries.
Hong Kong Airlines will begin operating direct flights between Hong Kong and Lijiang starting 8 September 2025. The airline will offer three weekly services on this route, providing travelers with a convenient and direct connection to the ancient city of Lijiang, one of China’s most captivating historical and cultural destinations. Hong Kong Airlines becomes the only local carrier offering this direct service, marking an exciting expansion in its growing route network.
Lijiang, situated in the northwest of Yunnan province, has historically served as an essential crossroads on both the ancient Silk Road and the Tea Horse Road.The city’s deep historical significance and distinct cultural heritage have led to its designation as a National Historical and Cultural City of China. Lijiang’s high-altitude plateau geography creates a mild, spring-like climate all year round. However, the most picturesque seasons are autumn and spring, when the city is enveloped in stunning natural beauty. The city attracts tourists from all over the world, who come to admire its historical landmarks, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant local culture.
Hong Kong Airlines is responding to a growing demand for new routes to mainland China, especially to emerging destinations such as Lijiang. The airline demonstrates its dedication to network growth by making Lijiang its third new destination in mainland China this year, following the launch of services to Hulunbuir and Xi’an. This growth in services is part of Hong Kong Airlines’ strategic plan to offer more diverse travel options to passengers while solidifying Hong Kong’s position as a global aviation hub. By launching flights to Lijiang, the airline aims to make travel between Hong Kong and this culturally rich city more accessible and convenient for both domestic and international tourists.
The airline will operate the new service with Airbus A320 aircraft, which are well-suited for this route. The flight schedule has been designed to cater to a wide range of passengers, from leisure travelers seeking to explore Lijiang’s scenic beauty to business travelers looking to connect with the city’s growing commercial opportunities. Additionally, the new route offers excellent connectivity for passengers traveling on Hong Kong Airlines’ long-haul flights. Travelers heading to destinations such as Sydney and Vancouver can take advantage of convenient connections through Hong Kong, enhancing the airline’s overall network efficiency and reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a major international transit hub.
Hong Kong Airlines is committed to providing a seamless travel experience for passengers, ensuring they can travel comfortably while also experiencing the diverse cultural offerings of both Hong Kong and Lijiang. The addition of this new route is another step toward the airline’s goal of expanding its presence in mainland China, which remains a key market for Hong Kong Airlines.
AirAsia Launches Direct Routes to Pontianak, Strengthening Regional Connectivity
AirAsia Malaysia is expanding its regional network by introducing two new direct flights to Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan, Indonesia. Beginning 12 September 2025, AirAsia will launch direct flights between Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, and Pontianak, becoming the sole airline to provide international services to this Indonesian city. These new routes mark an important step in AirAsia’s expansion in Indonesia, a market in which the airline has already made significant inroads with new services such as the Kuala Lumpur-Palembang and Kuala Lumpur-Semarang routes.
These new routes will expand AirAsia Malaysia’s network to 17 destinations in Indonesia, with a combined total of 223 weekly flights between Malaysia and Indonesia. This expansion supports Malaysia’s ambitious tourism goals, including attracting 4.3 million Indonesian visitors in 2025, while also helping Sarawak achieve its target of 5 million visitors by the end of the year. The new routes support Indonesia’s target of reaching 16 million international arrivals, with Malaysia continuing to be a key source of tourists for the country.
AirAsia’s decision to introduce these flights aims to support the growing demand for travel between Malaysia and West Kalimantan. By providing direct access to Pontianak, the airline hopes to stimulate tourism, trade, and investment in both regions. The new routes will also provide easier access for Indonesian nationals seeking business, leisure, or medical services in Malaysia, including in cities like Kuching and Kuala Lumpur.
In addition to supporting the tourism and economic growth of both countries, the new routes will enhance cultural exchange and bilateral relations between Malaysia and Indonesia. AirAsia’s growing network and commitment to regional connectivity will help foster closer ties between the two nations, making it easier for people to travel and engage in cross-border business opportunities.
Starting 12 September 2025, AirAsia will launch direct flights from Kuala Lumpur and Kuching to Pontianak, making it the only airline offering international services to this city. This expansion aims to boost regional connectivity and support growing tourism and business ties between Malaysia and Indonesia.
AirAsia’s new services are designed to be affordable, making travel more accessible for a wide range of passengers. The airline’s expansion into West Kalimantan provides new opportunities for tourism and economic collaboration between Malaysia and Indonesia, ensuring that both countries benefit from increased movement of people, goods, and ideas. By enhancing connectivity, AirAsia is playing a pivotal role in the continued growth of the region’s tourism and trade industries.
