There has been no large-scale stranding of Indonesian passengers at the Penang International Airport despite the Anak Krakatau volcano blast in Indonesia.
Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy YB Wong Hon Wai made a visit to PIA for a first hand tour of the facility. He also met up with the newly appointed Penang International Airport Senior Airport Manager Ahmad Fikri and his team. Also present was Penang Global Tourism Chief Executive Officer Ooi Chok Yan.
Wong followed up with the airport management on the recent impact of the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau in Indonesia, which resulted in volcanic ash affecting flight operations and the suspension of services at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta. Several flights between Penang and Jakarta were subsequently cancelled.
“The meeting with airport officials provided the Penang State Government with an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the latest progress of the Penang International Airport expansion plan, as well as the airport’s future management plans and development direction.
“This is important to ensure that the airport’s infrastructure and management planning are well aligned with the Penang State Government’s strategy to continuously expand Penang’s international direct flight network, thereby providing stronger air connectivity to support the future growth of Penang’s tourism industry,” he said.
Meanwhile, according to the airport management, the affected airlines included AirAsia, TransNusa and Batik Air, which operate direct flights between Jakarta and Penang. The airlines had notified affected passengers at an early stage through email, SMS and other communication channels regarding the flight cancellations and relevant information.
“Based on the latest information available to the airport management, the airlines operating the affected flights had promptly notified the relevant passengers. As a result, there has been no large-scale stranding of Indonesian passengers at Penang International Airport,” Wong said.
Wong also added that despite the relatively severe haze situation in Penang and across Malaysia in recent weeks, the haze has so far not affected flight take-offs and landings at Penang International Airport, with overall airport operations continuing as normal.
“Nevertheless, the State Government will continue to closely monitor the situation and maintain communication with the airport and airlines, in order to respond to and minimise the impact of haze as well as unforeseen aviation incidents on visitors to Penang and the tourism industry,” he said.
Wong also followed up with the airport management on preparations for two new international direct flight routes scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026. Discussions were held on the launch preparations and airport operational arrangements to ensure the smooth commencement of the new services, further strengthening Penang’s international aviation network.
“Among these are Hainan Airlines’ new direct service from Haikou, Hainan, to Penang, which will commence on 11 October 2026, establishing a new air link between Penang and Hainan Province, China.
“At the same time, Batik Air will commence a new direct service from Batam, Indonesia, to Penang on 18 October 2026, further strengthening air connectivity between Penang and Indonesia’s Riau Islands,” he said.
“According to data from Penang International Airport, the airport recorded 2,646,500 international passenger movements from January to July this year, compared with 2,381,520 during the same period last year. This represents an increase of 264,980 passenger movements, or 11.13%.
“This growth reflects the continued improvement in Penang’s international air connectivity and further demonstrates that the State Government’s efforts in expanding international routes and developing new tourism source markets are gradually producing positive results,” he said.
Others present at the meeting were Heng Lee Lee, State Assemblywoman for Berapit; Chee Yeeh Keen, State Assemblyman for Bagan Jermal; Wong Yuee Harng, State Assemblyman for Pengkalan Kota; Dato’ Mohamed, Penang State Deputy Secretary (Development); Mohd Ridzuan Ahmad Walid, Head of Operations of Penang International Airport; Noor Azirul Hafiz Maamor, Head of Airport and Fire Rescue Services of Penang International Airport; Muhammad Iqbal Ab Razak, Head of Aviation Security of Penang International Airport;and Dato’ Tony Goh, Chairman of Malaysian Association of Hotels (Penang Chapter).