Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai announced that Hong Kong Express will increase Penang-Hong Kong flights to twice daily.
This is following his working meeting with KK Ong, Chief Commercial Officer of HK Express recently in Hong Kong. Wong is leading a delegation of Penang tourism stakeholders to Shenzhen and then to Hong Kong for tourism promotion activities.
“Starting from October 26, 2025, HK Express will increase its direct Penang–Hong Kong flight from once daily to twice daily, further facilitating travel between the two destinations. Ticket bookings are now officially available on the HK Express website.
“Back in mid-June last year, I personally visited the headquarters of HK Express in Hong Kong and met with CEO Ms. Jeanette Mao and Chief Commercial Officer KK Ong. After extensive discussions and follow-up, HK Express soon announced the launch of this direct route, with the inaugural flight set to arrive in Penang on November 21, 2024.” said Wong.
Currently, HK Express operates flight UO748, departs from Hong Kong at 8:25pm and arrives in Penang at 12:15am the next day (Penang time). The return flight, UO749, departs Penang at 1am and arrives in Hong Kong at 4:55am. Since its launch, this route has received positive response, with a steady increase in passenger numbers. It has effectively connected Penang with Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, injecting new vitality into two-way tourism.
He also added that the new flight pair will be UO746 and UO747. UO746 will depart Hong Kong International Airport at 11:55am and arrive in Penang at 3:45pm. UO747 will depart Penang at 4:30pm and arrive in Hong Kong at 8:15pm.
At the promotional event, Wong took the opportunity to officially announce this favorable development to tourism stakeholders from Penang, Hong Kong, and the Greater Bay Area, noting:
“The addition of flights reflects increasing ties between Penang, Hong Kong, and the Greater Bay Area, and it also shows the airline’s strong confidence in Penang’s tourism potential. ‘Expand the routes, and the crowds will come. Penang shares deep connections with Hong Kong in terms of language, culture, cuisine, and overall atmosphere. It’s an ideal destination for Hong Kong travelers, whether for free and easy trips, family holidays, or food adventures.”
“Whether you speak Cantonese, Mandarin, or English, you’ll have no language barrier in Penang. You’ll also find familiar tastes around every corner—dim sum, roast meats, Hong Kong-style cafes—which make Hong Kong travelers feel at home and ease homesickness through their taste buds.”
“More importantly, Penang offers unique, local delicacies not found in Hong Kong, such as Char Koay Teow, Hokkien Mee, Curry Mee, Assam Laksa, Nasi Kandar, Roti Canai to name a few choices. These diverse, flavorful dishes are sure to delight Hong Kong’s discerning food lovers,” he said.
Joining the delegation was Penang State Assembly Member for Seri Delima Connie Tan, CEO of Penang Global Tourism Ooi Chok Yan, Honorary President of Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association Albert Tan, President of Penang Wedding Professionals Association Low Chin Siang along with representatives from tourism industry stakeholders from Penang.
They were from the Top @ Komtar Rainbow Skywalk, Penang History Experience Gallery, Penang River Cruise, Entopia, Amari SPICE Hotel, G Hotel, Marjorie Hotel, Lone Pine Hotel, Macalister Mansion, M Boutique Hotel (by M Group), Olive Tree Hotel, Marriott Penang, Mercure Hotel, OZO Hotel, Malaysian Odyssey Travel, Liying (MM2H) Limited, Public Holidays Travel, BeShine Education, Prince of Wales Island International School and Tenby Schools Penang