Penang: Penang will welcome three new direct flight routes this month, linking the state with Phuket in Thailand, Qingdao in China, and Senai in Johor, to further strengthen the state's tourism and economic connectivity.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai announced that the Penang state government has received confirmation that AirAsia will launch a direct Phuket-Penang service beginning March 13, while Batik Air will commence its Senai-Penang route on March 18. Wong stated, "The AirAsia Phuket-Penang route (Flight AK1821), which will officially start on March 13, will have four weekly flights during its initial phase. This route provides a convenient air corridor to facilitate both regional tourism and commercial exchanges between Penang and Phuket."

Wong further detailed that Batik Air's Senai-Penang route, commencing on March 18, will initially have one daily flight, further strengthening north-south air connectivity within Malaysia. Besides the newly announced Phuket and Senai routes, Qingdao Airlines will launch a Qingdao-Penang service on March 31, and Chongqing Airlines is scheduled to commence the Chongqing-Penang route in April.

He noted that the introduction of these new routes during the early months of Visit Malaysia 2026 highlights the strengthening of Penang's international aviation network. The coordinated efforts of both domestic and international carriers further consolidate Penang's role as a gateway for northern Malaysia and as an international tourism hub, injecting new vitality into the state's tourism economy.

Wong also pointed out that global uncertainties may affect travel flows from West Asia and Europe. "Thus, in the first quarter of 2026, the Penang state government has proactively expanded air connectivity across East Asia, Southeast Asia as well as domestic routes. By continuously broadening the flight network, Penang aims to diversify its visitor sources and enhance the resilience of its tourism industry," he said.

In conclusion, Wong stressed that this strategic approach not only underscores Penang's foresight as a regional tourism hub but also injects sustainable momentum into the local tourism sector, ensuring the state's tourism industry remains robust and well-positioned in a dynamic global environment.