GEORGE TOWN (Nov 5): Penang has welcomed its first-ever direct charter flight from Poland, with a seasonal Warsaw–Penang service expected to bring thousands of European visitors to the state and generate more than RM30 million in tourism-related economic benefits.
The inaugural flight, operated by LOT Polish Airlines under flight number LO6519, arrived at Penang International Airport at 9.45am on Thursday, marking a new milestone in the state’s efforts to strengthen its international air connectivity and tap into the European tourism market.
Penang state executive councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy Wong Hon Wai said the new connection represented a significant step towards diversifying the state’s international visitor markets, particularly by attracting travellers from countries with relatively high spending power.
He said the charter programme would bring economic benefits beyond the tourism sector, supporting businesses involved in accommodation, food and beverage, transportation, shopping, tourist attractions and related services.
“These visitors bring not only international arrivals but also their spending power directly into Penang. Their expenditure will generate economic activity across various sectors, allowing businesses throughout the tourism value chain to benefit collectively,” he said at the welcoming ceremony at the airport.
The seasonal service, organised in collaboration with Polish travel operator Rainbow Tours, will operate approximately once a week throughout the 2026/2027 European winter season, from Nov 4, 2026, until March 2027.
A total of 19 flights are scheduled under the programme, with each flight expected to carry between 250 and 300 passengers.
The outbound flight departs Warsaw Chopin Airport every Wednesday at 3.35pm local time and arrives in Penang at 9.15am the following day, after approximately 10 hours and 40 minutes.
For the return journey, the aircraft departs Penang at 11.15 am and arrives in Warsaw at 4.45 pm local time on the same day.
Wong said the charter service was the outcome of earlier destination promotion efforts, including a familiarisation trip organised by the Penang state government in April, which brought a 41-member delegation of Polish tourism industry representatives to the state.
Led by Rainbow Tours chief executive officer, the delegation comprised travel company owners and partner travel agents who experienced Penang’s attractions, culinary offerings and hospitality firsthand.
He said the visit had helped strengthen the Polish travel industry’s understanding of Penang and its potential as an international holiday destination.
“Now, approximately six months later, the Warsaw–Penang winter charter service has become a reality. It is particularly encouraging to see the earlier market familiarisation and tourism promotion efforts translated into an actual air connection,” he said.
Wong added that the programme was expected to generate more than RM30 million in tourism-related economic benefits, providing additional business opportunities for local tourism operators and businesses.
Although seasonal in nature, he said the charter service could also serve as a platform for Penang to explore more permanent air connections with long-haul markets.
He said the state government would continue to pursue targeted charter programmes to test emerging markets, improve accessibility and gradually expand Penang’s international air connectivity.
“These targeted charter services are not only an avenue for opening up new markets and developing potential sources of visitors, but also an important starting point for exploring more permanent air connections and expanding Penang’s international tourism network,” he said.
To cater to Polish visitors, eight specially designed tourism packages have been developed under the programme, with travellers able to select two according to their interests.
The packages combine city sightseeing and beach holidays, covering attractions ranging from Penang’s coastal scenery and tropical rainforests to the cultural and historical heritage of George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Local tour guides will accompany visitors throughout their trips, while Penang Global Tourism (PGT) has also prepared a dedicated Polish-language brochure to introduce the state’s attractions, heritage, natural landscapes and culinary offerings.
Wong said Penang would continue to strengthen its international market presence and diversify its visitor base amid growing competition among regional tourism destinations.
He added that developing long-haul markets required sustained commitment, careful planning and consistent destination promotion to support the tourism industry’s long-term competitiveness.
Also present at the airport welcoming ceremony were PGT chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan, PGT director Kenneth Tan, Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general (Promotion II) Samuel Lee, Counsellor of the Republic of Poland in Kuala Lumpur Mateusz Reszczyk, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland in Penang Datuk Seri Suppiah Manikam, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture representative Revathy Muruvin, and Malaysian Association of Hotels Penang Chapter vice-chairman Ben Ho.
