AirAsia launched its direct flight from Phuket to the Penang International Airport (PIA) today bringing another holiday destination closer to holiday makers and travelers.
Flight No AK1821 landed at 3.51pm carrying 164 passengers to Penang.
On hand to welcome passengers was State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang Global Tourism CEO Ooi Chok Yan and other tourism industry stakeholders. Passengers were presented with goody bags from AirAsia and Tourism Malaysia upon arrival.
Wong welcomed the inaugural arrival of the launch of the new route, marking another important milestone in strengthening regional connectivity.
“The introduction of the direct flight between Phuket and Penang brings two of Southeast Asia’s most popular island destinations closer together. It significantly enhances travel convenience between the two cities while injecting new momentum into regional tourism exchanges. The launch of this route not only aligns with the broader recovery of regional tourism but also further reinforces Penang’s position as an important gateway for tourism in the region,” he said.
During the initial phase, the route will operate 4 weekly flights. Flights departing from Phuket on Mondays and Sundays take off at 1:50 PM local time and arrive in Penang at 3:55 PM, while flights on Wednesdays and Fridays depart Phuket at 1:10 PM and arrive in Penang at 3:15 PM.
For the return service from Penang to Phuket, flight AK1820 departs Penang International Airport at 1:20 PM on Mondays and Sundays, arriving in Phuket at 1:25 PM local time. On Wednesdays and Fridays, flights depart Penang at 12:35 PM and arrive in Phuket at 12:40 PM local time.
Wong further shared that AirAsia has long been a key partner in strengthening Penang’s aviation network. The launch of the Phuket – Penang route demonstrates the airline’s continued commitment to expanding its presence in Penang while contributing to increased international visitor arrivals and supporting the sustained growth of the state’s tourism industry.
He added that AirAsia currently operates the largest number of direct domestic and international routes from Penang International Airport, connecting Penang with major cities across the region and playing a pivotal role in enhancing the state’s connectivity and regional integration.
“In terms of flight frequency, as of January 2026, Penang International Airport records 336 international flights and 297 domestic flights per week,” Wong said.
“For international routes, AirAsia currently operates flights connecting Penang with Don Mueang (14 flights weekly), Medan (24), Jakarta (14), Surabaya (4), Shenzhen (4), Singapore (34), and Ho Chi Minh City (7). This amounts to a total of 101 weekly international flights, representing approximately 30% of all international flights operating at Penang International Airport.”
He added that for domestic routes, AirAsia operates flights connecting Penang with Johor Bahru (15 flights weekly), Kota Kinabalu (14), Kuala Lumpur International Airport (76), Kuching (14), and Langkawi (24), amounting to a total of 143 weekly domestic flights, which accounts for approximately 48% of all domestic flights at Penang International Airport.
“This clearly demonstrates the significant role AirAsia plays in Penang’s aviation ecosystem. Its extensive route network not only provides Penang with strong air connectivity but also supports the state’s efforts to expand its tourism markets and strengthen international accessibility,” Wong said.
“This will enable Penang to attract more travellers from across Southeast Asia and beyond, while supporting the continued growth and resilience of the state’s tourism industry,” he added.