Penang, Malaysia – The Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) has today announced the new service by IndiGo which will connect Chennai with Penang on a direct flight for the first time and whose first flight is planned for 21st December 2024. This is a major development in strengthening the Penang & India linkage which PCEB has been working on since 2017.
This new route is in line with the PCEB’s initiatives and plans to promote Penang and the region as a suitable location for businesses and tourism. After commencing the annual Penang Roadshow in India, PCEB sought to promote the attractions of the state to major cities in India. This will be the eighth edition of the Roadshow which is scheduled to take place in 2025 and this further demonstrates the commitment of Penang to strengthen its links with the Indian market.
The Chennai-Penang route joins Penang’s growing network of international flights, now totalling 18. Existing direct connections include cities such as Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore, Jakarta, Dubai, and Taipei, positioning Penang as a key travel hub in Southeast Asia.
Mr. Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO of PCEB, highlighted the strategic importance of the new route. “The introduction of the direct Chennai-Penang flight represents the culmination of years of strategic engagement. This will simplify travel, foster collaboration, and reinforce the growing bond between Penang and India,” he said.
Echoing this sentiment, YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, said: “This connection bridges two vibrant cultures and opens up avenues for economic and creative growth. I am confident it will lead to a significant boost in tourism and business events for both regions.”
The direct Chennai flight is expected to drive increased tourism and business traffic, enhancing Penang’s reputation as a destination for cultural experiences, heritage tourism, and business events. PCEB anticipates that this enhanced connectivity will further fuel the state’s thriving business events sector, solidifying Penang’s position as a premier hub for international conferences, exhibitions, and corporate events.
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