Penang, April 2, 2025 – The expansion of Penang International Airport (PIA) is underway to accommodate increasing international flight frequencies and passenger traffic, Penang State Executive Councilor for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai stated. The expansion will enhance the passenger experience and further consolidate Penang’s position as a leading regional aviation hub.
During a recent working visit to the airport, Wong Hon Wai led a delegation of players in the tourism industry of Penang on an inspection visit to view the growth of the expansion project and conduct direct discussions with airport management. The visit provided an insight into the growing role of the airport in Malaysia’s aviation sector as well as the measures being undertaken to deal with increasing passenger volume.
In line with Wong Hon Wai, the expansion project is segmented into three systematic phases. Phase One involves the construction of an auxiliary building and ancillary works, while Phase Two includes airside facilities, apron pavement, taxiways, and other upgradements. Phase Three will see development of the main terminal building and upgradement of the infrastructure. Up to mid-March 2025, Phase One works had reached 32% completion and are on target.
Penang International Airport registered a huge figure of passenger traffic. Combined passenger movement for January and February 2025 stood at 1,379,084, representing a 17.35% increase from the corresponding months in 2024. International passengers were up by 22.56% to 735,460, surpassing domestic passenger movement, which posted an 11.91% increase to 643,624.
Penang International Airport is now the second busiest airport in Malaysia, after Kuala Lumpur International Airport. It recorded 64,507 aircraft movements in 2024, ahead of Kota Kinabalu International Airport (63,822), Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (59,929), and Kuching International Airport (54,969), further reflecting its growing position in Malaysia’s air transport system.
With 320 flights per week, international flight frequency higher than pre-pandemic, current facilities are no longer sufficient. To address this, the expansion plan also includes doubling the aircraft bays from 16 to 28, nearly doubling capacity. This move is expected to cater to rising passenger traffic driven by the booming tourism sector of Penang.
Moreover, PIA has added 35 self-service check-in kiosks in nine languages, including English, Chinese, Japanese, and Thai, enhancing the speed of passenger processing. Of these, 15 kiosks are for AirAsia passengers, and the other 20 are for Scoot, Cathay Pacific, and Malaysia Airlines. Negotiations are in progress to extend this service to additional airlines.
In addition, five self-service bag drop counters have been introduced, which are already available to Malaysia Airlines passengers now, with expansion plans for the service to other airlines. These improvements aim to reduce congestion and enhance overall efficiency.
In an attempt to streamline immigration and clearance procedures, Penang International Airport will soon be launching the ‘MyBorderPass’ system and Auto Gate facilities for local and international travellers. The tendering process has already been carried out, and these facilities are expected to go operational in the next few months. Passengers from 63 countries will have access to the Auto Gate system, reducing waiting times by a significant percentage during peak seasons.
Although the Federal Government is leading the expansion effort, Wong Hon Wai ensured the Penang State Government’s desire to trail closely and have discussions with associated agencies to facilitate a smooth delivery. “This project is an important step further to strengthen Penang’s role as an international aviation hub,” he stated.
The delegation also included YB Joseph Ng Soon Siang (State Assemblyman of Air Itam), Mr. Ooi Chok Yan (CEO of Penang Global Tourism), Datuk Albert Tan Sam Soon (Life Honorary President, Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association), and representatives from other tourism and hospitality associations, together with the management of Penang International Airport.
With the growth going on, Penang International Airport will increasingly be at the forefront of the tourism and economic growth of the state, ensuring a seamless travel experience for the mounting tourist influx to the state.
