By V. Sivaji
Batik Air launched its Senai– Penang inaugural flight yesterday (March 18) to offer options for travellers to and from the Southern state and also Singapore.
Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, Wong Hon Wai, described the new route as “timely launch ahead of Hari Raya makes festive travel more convenient and seamless”*
The route will initially operate at a frequency of one flight daily, further strengthening air connectivity between northern and southern Peninsular Malaysia while enhancing travel convenience between the two regions. Yesterday’s flight ferried some 104 passengers.
“The launch of this route on the eve of Hari Raya Aidilfitri is both timely and well-placed. As the festive season approaches, many Malaysians working or studying away from home will be returning to celebrate with their families. The introduction of this direct service provides an additional and convenient travel option for those commuting between Penang and Senai, making their journey home more seamless and comfortable,” he said..
Wong added that during the Hari Raya festive period, Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan is often heavily congested due to the surge in “balik kampung” traffic. This new direct air link offers an attractive alternative for travellers seeking to avoid long traffic jams. Whether travelling northbound from Senai to Penang or southbound from Penang to Senai, passengers can now enjoy a faster, more efficient and comfortable cross-state journey.
The Batik Air Senai – Penang route commenced operations with an initial frequency of one daily flight, further enhancing domestic air connectivity within Malaysia. The Senai to Penang flight, OD2418, departs Senai Airport at 2:45pm and arrives at Penang International Airport at 4pm (barring delays). The return flight, OD2417, departs Penang at 12:30pm and arrives in Senai at 1:45pm.
Wong further highlighted that in recent years, the Penang State Government has been actively strengthening its international air connectivity by expanding direct flight routes, linking Penang more closely with cities around the world. This effort aims to attract more international visitors, maximise the state’s tourism potential, and drive growth across related industries.
However, he stressed that while international routes remain a key focus, domestic air connectivity has not been overlooked. Domestic flights play an equally vital role, not only in attracting local tourists to Penang but also as an essential component of the national transportation network.
“Beyond tourism benefits, domestic air travel carries broader significance in providing Malaysians with reliable and efficient mobility, improving connectivity between states. It is not only about tourism development, but also about facilitating daily travel and inter-state movement, making it an important pillar of both transportation and public service,” he added.
He also pointed out that Penang’s domestic aviation sector has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2025, Penang International Airport recorded 3,997,133 domestic passenger movements, an increase from 3,596,179 in 2024, representing a growth of 400,954 passengers or 11.15%.
He added that Penang’s domestic route network currently connects to seven major airports in Malaysia, namely Senai, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Kota Bharu, Subang, and Langkawi, providing greater accessibility and flexibility for travellers across the country.
“In terms of flight frequency, Penang has also recorded significant improvements. In 2025, domestic flight frequency reached 312 weekly flights, compared to 261 weekly flights in 2024, marking an increase of 51 flights or 19.5%. This clearly reflects that as Penang’s international network continues to expand, its domestic connectivity is also being progressively strengthened and enhanced,” Wong said.