BAYAN LEPAS, April 10 – Penang International Airport (PIA) is set to introduce the MyBorderPass system and Auto Gate facilities in the coming months to enhance immigration clearance for both locals and foreign travelers. State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai announced that the initiative, currently in the planning and tendering stage, aims to ease congestion, reduce wait times, and improve passenger flow.
Visitors from 63 countries and regions will soon be able to utilize the Auto Gate system for smoother entry and exit. Additionally, 35 Self-Service Check-In Kiosksand five Self-Service Bag Drop counters have been introduced to streamline the check-in and baggage drop processes. As part of its major expansion project, PIA is upgrading its infrastructure to accommodate increasing international and domestic passenger traffic.
International flight frequency has grown 1.54 times over the past decade, reaching 320 international flights per week in 2025. The expansion, divided into three phases, includes the addition of 12 new aircraft bays, nearly doubling the airport’s current 16-bay capacity. Phase One of the expansion is currently 32% complete, with ongoing efforts to optimize passenger experience.
Wong emphasized that close coordination with federal authorities will ensure the project’s success, further solidifying Penang’s status as a key international tourism and aviation hub.
