PENANG: Penang’s air connectivity with China is set to receive a significant boost with the launch of scheduled direct flights between Chongqing and Penang beginning April 8, 2026.
Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy Wong Hon Wai announced the development following the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between Penang Global Tourism (PGT) and Chongqing Airlines in Chongqing, China. The signing, witnessed by Wong, marks a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening aviation and tourism ties between Penang and Western China.
Wong said the milestone was the result of sustained engagement with the Chongqing market, noting that as early as September 2024, he had led a Penang State Government delegation to the city for tourism promotion activities. During that period, charter flights operated by Firefly between Chongqing and Penang were introduced, laying the groundwork for the transition to scheduled direct services.
“With bilateral tourism cooperation now progressively materialising and the launch of scheduled direct flights, I am truly gratified to see these efforts come to fruition,” he said.
He added that the MoC carries long-term significance, as it positions Penang as the first state in Malaysia to establish an official partnership with Chongqing Airlines. According to Wong, the collaboration represents a key milestone in Penang’s strategy to deepen its presence in the Chinese market and enhance tourism exchanges between Malaysia and China.
Chongqing Airlines, which is based at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport and has a strong foothold in the local market, will operate the new route four times a week. The Chongqing–Penang service, operating as flight OQ2195, will depart Chongqing at 7.50 pm and arrive at Penang International Airport at 12.30 am the following day on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
The return flight, OQ2196, will depart Penang at 1.30 am and arrive in Chongqing at 6.10 am, operating on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Ticket sales are expected to open in the near future.
Under the MoC, PGT and Chongqing Airlines will work closely on a range of initiatives to support the new route, including joint marketing campaigns, destination branding, route feasibility studies, source market development and resource integration. Wong said the objective is to establish a stable and sustainable air link between Penang and Western China, while enhancing Penang’s competitiveness as an international tourism destination.
Highlighting Chongqing’s potential, Wong said the municipality recorded a population of nearly 32 million as of the end of 2024, making it a major aviation hub with a strong outbound travel market and the ability to attract travellers from surrounding provinces.
“The partnership with Chongqing Airlines adopts a more systematic and long-term approach to route and tourism development, laying a firm foundation for sustainable, market-driven direct flight services in the future,” he said, adding that this would bring clear benefits to Penang’s tourism sector.
He noted that Penang has already rolled out destination advertising campaigns at strategic locations in Chongqing to promote the state’s tourism offerings, which will complement the upcoming direct flights and help draw more visitors from Western China.
Wong also said the collaboration aligns with national tourism priorities under Visit Malaysia 2026, describing it as Penang’s proactive response to strengthening international arrivals and expanding reach into key inland Chinese cities.
On tourism appeal, Wong said both destinations offer contrasting yet complementary experiences. Chongqing is known for its dramatic “mountain city” landscape and modern urban energy, while Penang is celebrated for its coastal charm, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town and the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Penang Hill.
“This sense of complementarity creates strong potential for two-way tourism,” he said.
Looking ahead, Wong said the Penang State Government will continue to work closely with airline partners and stakeholders to pursue new route development opportunities, reinforcing Penang’s position as a regional and international tourism hub.
Also present at the signing ceremony were Berapit assemblywoman Heng Lee Lee, who is also a director of Penang Global Tourism; PGT chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan; and Chongqing Airlines deputy general manager Wan Jing.
