By V. Sivaji
The inaugural Batik Air flight from Singapore touched down at the Penang International Airport at 4.42pm today (Dec 8, 2025), marking a vibrant new chapter for Penang’s tourism and international connectivity.
The aircraft was greeted with a grand water cannon salute, symbolising a warm Penang welcome. Present to receive the flight were Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai, Bavani Veeriah, Batik Air Head of Marketing, Penang MAH chairman Dato’ Tony Goh, Tourism Malaysia Northern Region Director Abdul Hadi Che Man, along with other distinguished guests.
Arriving passengers were treated to a lively kompang performance and received goody bags from Tourism Malaysia—offering a taste of Penang’s culture and hospitality the moment they stepped off the plane.
YB Wong expressed his delight at the strengthening of Penang’s international air links.
“I am delighted to witness the arrival of Batik Air’s inaugural flight from Singapore to Penang. What makes today even more special is that, in addition to this celebration, we will also be welcoming another significant milestone tonight—the arrival of Batik Air’s inaugural flight from Medan. Having two inaugural international flights on the same day is a historic moment that will undoubtedly elevate Penang’s global connectivity,” he said.
The new Singapore–Penang direct flight will operate once daily, adding convenience for both leisure and business travellers.
“For the first time, Batik Air is launching two new international routes to Penang on the same day. This reflects the airline’s strong confidence in Penang’s tourism potential and reinforces the state’s strategic role on the regional aviation map.
“We also welcome Batik Air’s decision to increase its Subang–Penang route from one to two daily flights starting 11 December 2025. This expanded capacity offers greater travel flexibility for business travellers, holidaymakers, and returning Penangites alike.”
With these additions, Batik Air now operates 78 weekly flights connecting Penang to major cities across the region—Singapore (7 weekly), Medan (7 weekly), Jakarta (14 weekly), Kuala Lumpur (36 weekly), and Subang (14 weekly). The airline also runs direct charter flights from Penang to Kunming, China, further strengthening Penang’s position as a northern aviation hub.
The launch of these new routes comes at a crucial time as Penang gears up for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and Malaysia Medical Tourism Year 2026. Singapore and Indonesia—Penang’s first and third largest tourist markets—are now even more accessible with today’s inaugural flights.
Beyond tourism, the increased connectivity is expected to stimulate growth in trade, industry, business travel, and family travel across the region. These developments underscore Penang’s growing reputation as the gateway to northern Malaysia and a thriving regional hub for tourism and commerce.
