An aircraft from Kuala Lumpur launches at Huangshan Tunxi International Airport on March 29. [Photo/Huangshan Daily]

An aircraft carrying 178 passengers touched down at Huangshan Tunxi International Airport at 14:40 on March 29, marking the maiden flight of the Huangshan-Kuala Lumpur charter route.

This is Huangshan's first new international air route in 2025 and the first Malaysia-bound flight since the comprehensive expansion of Huangshan's aviation port. The Kuala Lumpur route is a weekly flight every Saturday operated by Malaysia's Batik Air.

The flight schedule is as follows:

Departure from Kuala Lumpur: 9 am, Arrival in Huangshan: 2:10 pm

Return from Huangshan: 3:10 pm, Arrival in Kuala Lumpur: 8:25 pm

The charter service will operate in two phases: the first from March 29 to June 30 and the second from Sept 6 to Dec 27, totaling 31 flights with an estimated 6,200 passenger trips.

This new route offers travelers a convenient travel option, strengthens connectivity between Huangshan and ASEAN regions, and fosters cultural, tourism, and economic exchanges. It also injects fresh momentum into Huangshan’s efforts to expand international openness and foreign-oriented economic growth.

Since 2024, China's visa-free policy expansions have spurred a surge in inbound tourism. Seizing the opportunity, Huangshan airport has accelerated the development of international routes, launching five routes to destinations like Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Seoul last year. The airport handled 20,273 international passengers in 2024, a staggering 341.2 percent year-on-year increase.