GEORGE TOWN, March 13 – Penang will soon add another direct flight route from a major Chinese city, further strengthening its position as a regional aviation hub. Wong Hon Wai, Penang’s State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, announced that the new route, finalized through discussions with an airline during the Routes Asia 2024 Forum, is expected to launch during China’s May Day Golden Week, pending final approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).
With this addition, Penang will have direct connectivity to eight cities in China, building on the recent 118% surge in Chinese tourist arrivals in February 2025. In addition to the China route, Myanmar Airways International will launch a new direct flight from Yangon to Penang on April 10, 2025, enhancing connectivity within Southeast Asia. However, AirAsia has announced the suspension of eight routes, including its Penang-Hong Kong flight from April 12, citing market adjustments.
Despite this, Wong reassured that Hong Kong-Penang connectivity remains strong, with 22 weekly flights operated by three airlines, a significant increase from seven flights in January 2024. He emphasized that route adjustments are a natural part of the aviation industry, as airlines refine their strategies to tap into new markets.
