Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, YB Wong Hon Wai has brought much welcomed news from Chongqing, announcing that Chongqing Airlines will launch scheduled flights between Chongqing and Penang with effect April 8, 2026.
To continuously deepen its presence in the China market and further strengthen air connectivity between Penang and western China, a delegation from Penang Global Tourism (PGT), led by Wong, visited the headquarters of Chongqing Airlines in China. During the visit, both parties signed a Memorandum of Cooperation, formally confirming a stragegic partnership in the aviation and tourism sectors.
“As early as September 2024, I led a delegation to Chongqing to conduct a tourism promotion campaign. At that time, Firefly Airlines also launched charter flights between Chongqing and Penang, laying a solid foundation for today’s regular direct flights and two-way tourism cooperation. Seeing the gradual materialisation of bilateral tourism collaboration and the launch of scheduled direct flights between Chongqing and Penang brings me great satisfaction.” said Wong.
He added that the Penang State Government has always placed high importance on developing the China market and has consistently worked to enhance Penang’s air connectivity with major international source markets.
“In August 2023, Penang only had direct flights from Guangzhou and Hong Kong. After two and a half years of effort, scheduled direct flights have expanded to Xiamen, Shenzhen, Shanghai and Chengdu, and now Chongqing becomes the seventh city in China with direct connectivity to Penang. This marks a key and milestone step in Penang’s proactive expansion of the China market and the deepening of Malaysia–China tourism exchanges.” he said.
Wong further noted that Chongqing Airlines, which is headquartered at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport and deeply rooted in the Chongqing market, will commence scheduled direct flights between Chongqing and Penang on 8 April 2026. Ticket sales will open in the near future, providing travellers from both destinations with a more convenient and efficient new air link, further narrowing the distance between Penang and western China.
The Chongqing–Penang flight, operating under flight number OQ2195, will depart Chongqing at 7:50 p.m. (Chongqing time) and arrive at Penang International Airport (PEN) at 12:30 a.m. the following day. The service will operate four times weekly, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
The Penang–Chongqing return flight, flight number OQ2196, will depart Penang International Airport (PEN) at 1:30 a.m. (Penang time) and arrive in Chongqing at 6:10 a.m. This flight will also operate four times weekly, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Wong also explained that under the Memorandum of Cooperation signed between Penang Global Tourism and Chongqing Airlines, both parties will collaborate on multiple levels in support of the new Chongqing–Penang direct route.
“These include joint marketing campaigns, destination branding and promotion, route feasibility studies, source market development, and related resource integration. The aim is to jointly establish a more stable and sustainable air connection between Penang and western China, further enhancing Penang’s accessibility and overall competitiveness as an international tourism destination.” he added.
He shared that according to data from the Chongqing Municipal People’s Government, Chongqing’s population reached 31.9047 million by the end of 2024.
“As a key municipality and regional aviation hub in western China, Chongqing has a large population base, a mature outbound travel market, and a strategic location that radiates to surrounding provinces and cities. The signing of this memorandum with Chongqing Airlines builds upon existing market development experience and adopts a more systematic and long-term strategy to advance route and tourism industry growth, laying a solid foundation for sustainable direct flight services in the future. This is highly beneficial to Penang’s tourism sector.”
He also noted that Penang Global Tourism has already placed advertisements at several strategic locations in Chongqing to actively promote Penang’s tourism offerings.
“These efforts will complement the upcoming Chongqing–Penang direct flights, attracting more visitors from Chongqing and the wider western China region, and further enhancing Penang’s visibility and influence in the China market.”
“In line with the overall promotional strategy for Visit Malaysia 2026, this cooperation is also regarded as an important move by Penang in response to national tourism development directions. By taking the lead in establishing a partnership with Chongqing Airlines, Penang aims to further tap into key inland Chinese cities, boost international arrivals at the national level, and strengthen Penang’s visibility in the global tourism market, injecting new growth momentum into Visit Malaysia 2026,” said Wong.
Wong emphasised that Penang and Chongqing offer distinctive and complementary tourism resources, making two-way tourism cooperation mutually beneficial.
“Chongqing is renowned for its unique mountainous terrain and winding urban landscape, earning the nickname ‘8D Magical City’, showcasing the dynamism of a modern metropolis blended with spectacular natural scenery. Penang, on the other hand, is known for its coastal city charm, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town, and the Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve, featuring both elegant historical architecture and lush natural landscapes. Travellers from both destinations can experience contrasting cultures and scenery, creating a strong complementary appeal.”
In conclusion, Wong said that the signing of this Memorandum of Cooperation not only demonstrates Penang’s forward-looking vision in being among the first in Malaysia to develop the western China market, but also reflects its long-term commitment to strengthening international air networks and global connectivity.
“Looking ahead, the Penang State Government will continue to work closely with airline partners and relevant stakeholders to actively explore more potential routes, further consolidating Penang’s position as an important regional and international tourism hub.”
Among those present at the signing ceremony between Penang Global Tourism and Chongqing Airlines included PGT CEO Ooi Chok Yan, and Chongqing Airlines Deputy General Manager Wan Jing.
Source – State Exco for Tourism Office