By V. Sivaji
In another boost to Penang’s connectivity to international destinations around the globe, IndiGo Airlines will offer direct flights from Chennai to Penang with effect Dec 21, 2024.
A press conference to announce more details on the flight arrangement was held at the Penang State Assembly conference room earlier today.
Present was the State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai, Datuk Seri S Sundarajoo, State Exco for Housing and Environment, Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI) general manager Datin S. Barathi, Dato Khoo Boo Lim along with Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), Chief Executive Officer, Ashwin Gunasekeran among others..
“This marks a significant step in strengthening the relationship between Penang and India. The new route further cements PCEB’s ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity and foster closer ties between the two regions.
“Since 2017, PCEB has been dedicated to elevating Penang’s profile in India, beginning with the launch of the Penang Roadshow.
“This connection between Chennai and Penang bridges two vibrant cultures and opens up avenues for economic and creative growth. With this flight, Penang is closer than ever to our Indian friends, and I am confident it will lead to a strong increase in tourism and business events that will benefit both regions.” said Wong.
Rajoo also highlighted the effort and hard work put in by PCEB in order to make this route possible by PCEB.
“This new route will cater for travellers from the Northern Region of Malaysia especially those from Perak, Penang, Kedah and Perlis who are planning their trips to Chennai.
“People from these regions have a close relation with Southern India such as historical and family ties”, he added.
Meanwhile, Ashwin said that the introduction of the direct Chennai-Penang flights represents the culmination of years of strategic engagement.
“Our focus has always been to create lasting connections with Indian businesses and travelers. This new route will simplify travel and open doors for further collaboration, reinforcing the growing bond between Penang”, he shared.
He also added tht IndiGo will fly its A320 model aircraft which has capacity of 180 passengers.
On Dec 21, IndiGo flight 6E1045 from Chennai to Penang will depart at 2.15am Chennai time and arrive in Penang at 8.30am local time. Flight 6E1046 from Penang to Chennai will depart at 9.30am local time, arriving in Chennai at 10.35am. Both flights will operate daily.
Penang is now connected to 19 cities around the globe, they are Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok, Phuket, Medan, Jakarta, Surabaya, Banda Aceh, Taipei, Ho Chi Minh City, Doha, Chongqing (charter), Kunming (charter) and now Chennai.
Meanwhile, IndiGo is a low cost carrier based in Gurgaon, India that commenced operations in Aug-2006.
Presently they have 382 aircrafts and have over a thousand aircrafts on order, including 30 Airbus A350 widebody aircrafts.
The A350s are intended to support IndiGo’s long-haul international growth, while the A320 family has helped the airline expand in domestic and regional markets.
IndiGo’s fleet also includes A320s and ATR 72s, and the airline currently offers a single cabin across its fleet.
The carrier is owned by Rahul Bhatia’s InterGlobe Enterprises and operates an extensive domestic network and international services to South Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe and the Gulf.
