Penang: The Penang government is exploring the possibility of launching direct flights between Jinan and Penang as part of its efforts to strengthen air connectivity with northern China and expand the state's tourism market reach.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai stated that the proposal was discussed during a recent visit by a Penang government delegation to Shandong Province, China. During the visit, they met with the management of Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport to promote Penang through the Penang-Qingdao Tourism Roadshow and to enhance tourism and aviation cooperation with stakeholders in the province.
"Discussions with airport officials focused on the feasibility of establishing a direct Jinan-Penang route, as Shandong, one of China's most populous and economically significant provinces, presents substantial tourism potential for Penang. Jinan, the capital of Shandong Province, has a population of more than 9.6 million, underscoring its considerable market potential," Wong said in a statement.
The launch of the Qingdao-Penang direct flight on March 31 this year has provided a strong foundation for Penang to tap into Shandong and the wider northern China tourism markets. Wong noted that a direct Jinan-Penang service, in addition to the existing Qingdao route, could help establish a more comprehensive aviation network in Shandong.
Wong also highlighted that China's extensive high-speed rail network would enable travellers from across the province to conveniently connect to Jinan or Qingdao airports before flying directly to Penang. Positioning both cities as gateway hubs would enhance accessibility for travellers from Shandong while boosting Penang's visibility in northern China.
Penang has made significant progress in expanding its air links with China over the past three years. In August 2023, Penang scheduled direct flights to only Guangzhou and Hong Kong, but now enjoys direct scheduled services to eight Chinese cities, including Guangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Qingdao, and Chongqing.
Including charter flights between Kunming and Penang, the state is now connected to nine major Chinese cities through direct air services. Wong noted that this reflects the growing recognition and demand from the Chinese market for Penang's tourism offerings.
Additionally, Wong emphasized the continued growth of Penang International Airport, which recorded 8.31 million passenger movements in 2025 compared to 7.47 million in 2024, marking an increase of 11.25 percent. The airport's ongoing expansion project, expected to be completed in 2028, aims to increase annual passenger handling capacity to 12 million and support future tourism growth.
"The state government's current engagement with Chinese cities, airports, and airlines forms part of its long-term planning to prepare for the airport's expanded capacity in 2027 and 2028. Our efforts today are aimed at ensuring that once the Penang International Airport expansion is completed, Penang will be ready with a stronger route network and a broader visitor base," Wong concluded.