GEORGE TOWN: Penang will introduce a new direct flight from a major Chinese city, adding to its growing connectivity with the surging Chinese tourist market.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, said discussions with a Chinese airline were finalized at the Routes Asia 2024 Forum following numerous video meetings.
The new service is due to commence during China’s May Day Golden Week travel period,” Wong said. “The airline is awaiting approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM). When everything is completed, an official announcement will be released.”.
This latest addition will be Penang’s eighth direct connection with China, on top of existing services to Guangzhou, Xiamen, and Shanghai, among others. The new flight is anticipated to drive further tourism growth and deepen business and cultural exchanges, cementing Penang’s position as a key regional hub.
February 2025 statistics show a surge in the arrival of Chinese tourists, with 33,151 visitors coming directly into Penang — an astonishing 118.03% year-on-year increase. China has overtaken Singapore as Penang’s second-largest international tourist market since January 2025, ranking only behind Indonesia.
Penang’s overseas connectivity is expanding elsewhere as well: Myanmar Airways International will launch a direct Yangon flight on April 10, boosting regional travel.
That being said, things have also changed. AirAsia has just confirmed it is dropping eight routes, including its direct Penang-Hong Kong flights, from April 12. Despite that, Wong noted that direct Penang-Hong Kong flights have increased to 22 per week, with Cathay Pacific, AirAsia, and Hong Kong Express Airways competing for passengers.
Wong emphasized that such route adjustments are part of the aviation industry’s norm when airlines strategically shift operations to break into new markets. He remains optimistic that Penang’s expanding flight network will continue to attract more visitors and place it higher on the map as a premier travel destination.
With new routes in the works and more tourist influx, Penang’s tourism sector is set to see further growth and vibrancy in the years to come.
