Tourists arriving at Penang International Airport were greeted with a vibrant and heartwarming reception earlier today, marking a festive start to the Chinese New Year and reinforcing the momentum of Visit Malaysia 2026.
In a colourful showcase of Malaysian hospitality, arriving passengers were presented with specially prepared goody bags with Mandarin orange and souvenirs as a token of welcome. The lively beats of a traditional lion dance and cultural troupe performance filled the arrival hall, offering travellers an immediate immersion into Malaysia’s rich multicultural heritage.
Among those present to extend the warm welcome were Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai, Senior Penang Airport Manager Nadzim Hashim, MAH Penang Honorary Secretary John Kim, Puan Dida Ziraidah from Tourism Malaysia and their team, underscoring the collaborative effort to position Penang as a leading regional tourism hub.
Passengers arriving on flights operated by Shenzhen Airlines, Cathay Pacific, AirAsia Indonesia, Lion Air, Batik Air, Thai AirAsia, China Airlines and Spring Airlines were among those who experienced the festive reception, a reflection of Penang’s strong international connectivity.
“The first day of the Chinese New Year symbolises renewal and prosperity,” said Wong in his press statement. “By welcoming visitors at this auspicious time, Penang embraces the spirit of Visit Malaysia 2026, advancing with momentum, radiant and full of vitality while looking forward to a year of thriving tourism, dynamic businesses and vibrant industries.”
The airport atmosphere was further enlivened by the playful appearance of Wira and Manja, the official mascots of Visit Malaysia 2026. Travellers, especially children, eagerly posed for photos, creating memorable first impressions of Penang’s festive spirit and warm hospitality.
“Beyond the celebrations, Penang’s tourism growth continues on an upward trajectory. According to the latest statistics from the Airport Authority, Penang International Airport recorded 8.31 million passenger movements in 2025 — an 11.2% increase from 7.47 million in 2024. The steady rise reflects the state’s growing appeal as a tourism and business destination.
“International flight frequencies have also expanded significantly. As of December 2025, the airport operates 325 weekly international flights, up from 302 in 2024 and 259 in 2023 — representing a two-year growth of 25.5%. The enhanced connectivity strengthens Penang’s position as a strategic air gateway in the region,” said Wong in his press statement.
He also added that in preparation for increased arrivals under Visit Malaysia 2026, the airport recently completed infrastructure upgrades, including the introduction of a new MyNIISe autogate system.
“Currently, five auto-gates serve departing travellers from 73 countries and regions, while six auto-gates facilitate arrivals from 65 countries and regions. By year-end, the number of auto-gates is expected to expand to twelve for both arrivals and departures, significantly reducing processing times and improving overall travel efficiency.
“To further enhance visitor convenience, a dedicated e-hailing waiting area has been established on the ground floor of the parking complex opposite the main terminal. Accommodating up to 86 passengers, the facility features real-time digital displays of vehicle plate numbers, an air-conditioned waiting lounge, and a service counter operating daily from 6am to midnight to assist travellers in arranging rides via mobile applications. The streamlined system addresses previous pick-up challenges and elevates the arrival experience.
“The Penang state government will continue to serve as a gateway and bridge in supporting Visit Malaysia 2026, reaffirming the state’s commitment to delivering seamless connectivity, world-class infrastructure and memorable visitor experiences,” added Wong.
Meanwhile, similar welcoming ceremonies were also held at all major airports in the country.