Penang is set to welcome a new direct flight route from another major city in China, further enhancing its connectivity with the Chinese market. The new route is expected to commence during China’s May Day Golden Week, pending final approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).
According to NST, State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai revealed that discussions had taken place during the Routes Asia 2024 Forum, where Penang Global Tourism engaged with a Chinese airline to finalise the details. Several video conferences had already been conducted before reaching this stage. Once all necessary procedures are completed, the airline is expected to make an official announcement regarding the flight details.
The introduction of this direct connection is anticipated to capitalise on the surge in travel during China’s May Day holiday season, further strengthening Penang’s role as a regional aviation hub and an international tourist destination. Wong expressed confidence that the new route would provide a significant boost to tourism, business exchanges, and cultural interactions between Penang and China.
At present, Penang has direct air links to seven Chinese cities, namely Guangzhou, Xiamen, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Chongqing, and Xi’an. The upcoming addition will mark the eighth direct flight route between Penang and China, reinforcing the state’s growing appeal as a preferred destination for Chinese travellers.
Recent data from February 2025 highlighted a substantial increase in Chinese tourist arrivals to Penang. A total of 33,151 visitors arrived via international flights that month, representing an impressive 118.03 percent rise compared to February 2024. When factoring in transit passengers through Kuala Lumpur and those arriving via land routes, the overall number of Chinese visitors was even higher. Since January 2025, China has overtaken Singapore to become Penang’s second-largest international tourist market, ranking just behind Indonesia. This shift from third place underscores the growing importance of Chinese tourists to the state’s economy.
In addition to the new route from China, Penang is also set to expand its regional aviation network with another direct flight. Myanmar Airways International will launch a direct service from Yangon to Penang on April 10, further enhancing connectivity for Southeast Asian travellers.
While Penang’s international flight network is growing, it has also undergone adjustments. AirAsia recently announced the suspension of eight routes, including one from Penang to Hong Kong. This service will be discontinued on April 12 as part of the airline’s broader restructuring efforts.
Despite this development, Wong reassured that Penang’s connectivity to Hong Kong remains robust. Since January 2025, the number of direct flights between Penang and Hong Kong has increased significantly, reaching 22 flights per week. The route is currently operated by three airlines—Cathay Pacific, AirAsia, and Hong Kong Express Airways.
In January 2024, a total of seven flights per week were available, with Cathay Pacific operating four and AirAsia providing three. By January 2025, Cathay Pacific had increased its frequency to eight weekly flights, while AirAsia expanded to seven. Hong Kong Express Airways also entered the market with an additional seven flights per week.
The intensified competition on this route has likely influenced AirAsia’s decision to suspend its Penang-Hong Kong service. Wong described the move as a standard commercial decision within the aviation industry, where airlines continuously adjust their operations to explore new opportunities.
With the addition of new international flight routes and a steady increase in tourist arrivals, Penang continues to position itself as a key aviation and tourism hub in the region.
