Penang is set to welcome a new direct flight from another major city in China during the second quarter of 2025. This development is part of ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity between Penang and China, benefiting tourism, business, and cultural exchanges. The new route is expected to launch during China’s May Day Golden Week, a peak travel period.
According to Wong Hon Wai, Chairman of the Penang State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee, the new direct flight will reinforce Penang’s role as a regional aviation hub and international tourism destination. The airline involved is currently awaiting approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and will announce details once all procedures are completed.
This addition will bring the total number of direct flights from Chinese cities to Penang to eight, complementing existing routes from Guangzhou, Xiamen, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Chongqing, and Xi’an. The expansion of direct flights is seen as a significant boost to Penang’s tourism and business sectors, further solidifying its position as a key destination for cultural exchange and economic collaboration.
Penang has recently strengthened its aviation network with the launch of new routes, including a direct flight from Shenzhen operated by AirAsia. This route has been hailed as a milestone in enhancing connectivity between Malaysia and China, fostering greater cultural, economic, and tourism exchanges.
Wong Hon Wai highlighted the substantial opportunities presented by such direct flights, noting that they not only enhance accessibility but also deepen friendship and cooperation between Penang and Chinese cities. The new route is anticipated to attract more visitors from China, leveraging the country’s visa-free entry policy for tourists.
