GEORGE TOWN: A new direct air link between Phuket and Penang has taken off with the arrival of the inaugural flight operated by AirAsia on Friday, strengthening connectivity between two of Southeast Asia’s popular island destinations.
Flight AK1821 landed at Penang International Airport at 3.51 pm carrying 165 passengers, marking the start of the new route linking the Thai resort island with the northern Malaysian state.
Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the launch of the direct service represents another milestone in expanding Penang’s aviation network and enhancing regional travel convenience.
He said the new route brings two well-known tourism destinations closer together while creating greater opportunities for tourism exchanges and economic activity between the cities.
“The introduction of this direct flight significantly enhances travel convenience between Phuket and Penang while injecting new momentum into regional tourism exchanges,” he said in a statement on Friday.
During the initial phase, the route will operate four times weekly. Flights depart Phuket at 1.50 pm on Mondays and Sundays, arriving in Penang at 3.55 pm, while Wednesday and Friday flights leave Phuket at 1.10 pm and reach Penang at 3.15 pm.
For the return leg, flight AK1820 departs Penang at 1.20 pm on Mondays and Sundays, arriving in Phuket at 1.25 pm local time. Wednesday and Friday services depart Penang at 12.35 pm and arrive in Phuket at 12.40 pm.
Wong said AirAsia remains one of Penang’s key aviation partners and plays a significant role in expanding the state’s connectivity to major regional destinations.
He noted that the airline currently operates the largest number of direct domestic and international routes from Penang International Airport, linking the state with major cities across Southeast Asia.
“As of January 2026, the airport records 336 international flights and 297 domestic flights weekly,” he said.
For international routes, AirAsia operates flights connecting Penang with cities including Bangkok via Don Mueang International Airport, Medan, Jakarta, Surabaya, Shenzhen, Singapore, and Ho Chi Minh City, for a total of 101 weekly international flights.
This accounts for about 30% of all international flights operating at Penang International Airport.
Domestically, the airline connects Penang with cities such as Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Kuching, and Langkawi, operating 143 weekly flights — about 48% of all domestic flights at the airport.
Wong said strengthening air connectivity with major Southeast Asian cities, particularly in neighbouring countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore, will further expand Penang’s regional tourism reach.
He added that improved connectivity would help attract more travellers from across the region while supporting the continued growth and resilience of Penang’s tourism industry.
