PENANG, 11 April 2025 – Myanmar Airways International (MAI) has officially launched a new direct flight route between Yangon and Penang, marking a significant milestone in regional connectivity and enhancing travel, trade, and tourism links between Myanmar and Malaysia.
The bi-weekly flight, operating every Monday and Thursday, uses a 96-seater Embraer 190 (E190) aircraft, which offers passengers a smooth and comfortable journey between the two lively cities. The inaugural flight, which landed at Penang International Airport today, was greeted with a ceremonial water salute and a grand ceremony and was graced by distinguished guests including H.E. U Aung Soe Win, Myanmar Ambassador to Malaysia; YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State EXCO for Tourism & Creative Economy; and Mr. Calvinn Lai, CEO of Abadi Aviation Services Sdn Bhd (GSA of MAI in Malaysia).
Passengers on the first flight were warmly welcomed with flowers and commemorative gifts, reflecting MAI’s signature hospitality and commitment to the passenger experience.
The launch adds to MAI’s growing presence in Malaysia, complementing its existing Yangon-Kuala Lumpur route, which commenced in April 2022 and currently operates 10 weekly flights. The addition of Penang to MAI’s network reflects the airline’s ongoing efforts to support economic growth and increase people-to-people ties across Southeast Asia.
YB Wong Hon Wai emphasized the importance of the new connection for Penang’s tourism sector:
We warmly welcome the new MAI direct Yangon-Penang flight, which adds depth to our global connectivity and promises thrilling opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange. This strategic connection further positions Penang as a vibrant gateway to Malaysia and a dynamic destination for travellers worldwide.
The Yangon-Penang service is expected to play a key role in supporting the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign, encouraging increased arrivals from Myanmar. Visitor numbers from Myanmar have seen remarkable growth in recent years, with 147,133 arrivals recorded in 2024—a 43.4% increase from 2023 and a staggering 157.1% rise from pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
Flights depart Yangon at 2:45 PM (local time) and arrive in Penang at 6:15 PM (local time). One-way tickets start from MYR 550, including inflight meals and a generous 30 kg baggage allowance. Bookings are available via MAI’s official website (www.maiair.com), authorized travel agents, and various online platforms.
As MAI expands its presence in Southeast Asia, the new Yangon-Penang route will further deepen more substantial tourism and trade ties and provide travellers with more options to experience the cultural and economic richness of both countries.
