GEORGE TOWN, November 12 — Penang is set to welcome enhanced air connectivity with the launch of 9 Air’s charter direct flights between Haikou and Penang starting 18 November 2025. The new route will operate three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
With flight AQ1297 departing Haikou Meilan International Airport at 1:15 a.m. and arriving at Penang International Airport at 5:35 a.m., while the return flight AQ1298 leaves Penang at 6:35 a.m., landing in Haikou at 10:00 a.m. Initially a charter service, the route has the potential to evolve into a regular scheduled flight, strengthening Penang’s connectivity with Hainan Province.
The launch coincides closely with the 18th World Hainanese Congress in Penang (14–16 November 2025), reflecting the longstanding friendship and cultural ties between Penang and Hainan, established through state and city MOUs since 2013 and 2017.
Wong Hon Wai, Penang State Executive Councillor of Tourism and Creative Economy, highlighted that the new Haikou–Penang flights complement the existing network of regular and charter international services. Further enhancing tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges between the two regions.
