GEORGE TOWN, March 10 – Penang will welcome three new direct flight routes in March 2026, further strengthening the state’s position as a regional tourism gateway.
Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy Wong Hon Wai announced that AirAsia will launch a Phuket–Penang route starting March 13, while Batik Air will begin operating the Senai–Penang route on March 18.
In addition, Qingdao Airlines is scheduled to commence a Qingdao–Penang route on March 31. The Phuket route will initially operate four weekly flights, while the Senai route will offer daily services, improving connectivity between northern and southern Malaysia.
Wong said the expansion reflects strong momentum in Penang’s tourism sector, especially during the early months of Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Earlier this year, new routes from Shanghai and Guangzhou were also introduced, making travel easier for visitors from China.
The growing network is expected to diversify visitor markets and strengthen the resilience of Penang’s tourism industry.
