BAYAN LEPAS, 1 May 2025 – Penang International Airport welcomed the inaugural China’s Sichuan Airlines flight from Chengdu today, a landmark in Malaysia’s efforts to boost tourism and strengthen economic ties with China.
The inaugural flight, operated by Sichuan Airlines with flight number 3U3911, was greeted with a traditional water salute upon arrival in Penang. The travellers were warmly welcomed, led by Mr Samuel Lee, Deputy Director General (Promotion II) of Tourism Malaysia, along with representatives from Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) and the airline.
Five times a week with an Airbus A320 aircraft, the service links Penang directly to Chengdu—a major city in Western China with a population of over 20 million people. The 164-seat flight is poised to boost leisure and business travel, enhancing the growing demand for connectivity between the two countries’ secondary cities.
This new flight is both timely and strategic as we continue to place Penang on the map as a premier destination for foreign tourists, investors, and businesses,” said Mr. Lee. “We warmly invite all travellers from Chengdu to discover the unique charm, heritage, and culinary wealth of Penang.”.
The Chengdu–Penang connection comes as Malaysia prepares for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026), part of a broader push to attract high-value tourists and boost bilateral exchanges. In 2024, Malaysia recorded nearly 3.73 million arrivals from China—a 130.9% increase from the previous year—making China one of the country’s top inbound markets.
The extension of the visa-free policy for Chinese citizens until December 2026 and the rising direct air links are poised to add to this foundation.
Penang International Airport, which is one of the key regional hubs managed by MAHB, stands ready to play a critical role in serving this growth. The airport continues to expand its international network, connecting Penang to more Asian cities and driving the economic development of the state.
The opening of the Chengdu-Penang route underscores Malaysia’s ongoing quest to enhance its diplomatic, cultural, and economic relations with China, particularly as both countries celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2024.
