Penang Adds Three New Routes in March: Phuket, Qingdao and Johor Senai

Penang State Exco Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, YB Wong Hon Wai, shared that in the month of March 2026, Penang will welcome 3 new direct flight routes: Phuket (Thailand) – Penang, Qingdao (China) – Penang, and Senai (Johor) – Penang”.

He added that the Penang State Government has received notification that AirAsia will launch a direct flight from Phuket to Penang starting 13 March 2026, while Batik Air will commence a Senai – Penang route on 18 March 2026. 

With domestic and international carriers actively expanding their networks, Penang’s tourism industry is set to receive a fresh boost, further consolidating the state’s position as a key regional gateway. Both routes are now available for booking on the respective airlines’ official websites, allowing travellers to plan their journeys.

The AirAsia Phuket – Penang route (flight AK1821) will officially commence on 13 March 2026, operating 4 weekly flights during its initial phase. From Phuket, AK1821 departs from Phuket International Airport (Code HKT) on Mondays and Sundays at 13:50 local time  and arrives in Penang International Airport at 15:55 (Code PEN), while on Wednesdays and Fridays it departs at 13:10 and arrives at 15:15. The return flights from Penang to Phuket (AK1820) depart Mondays and Sundays at 13:20, arriving at 13:25 local time, and on Wednesdays and Fridays at 12:35, arriving at 12:40. This route provides a convenient air corridor to facilitate both regional tourism and commercial exchanges between Penang and Phuket.

Meanwhile, Batik Air’s Senai – Penang route will commence operations on 18 March 2026, initially with one daily flight, further strengthening north–south air connectivity within Malaysia. The Senai – Penang flight (OD2418) departs at 14:45 and arrives in Penang at 16:00. The return Penang – Senai flight (OD2417) leaves Penang at 12:30 and lands in Senai at 13:45.

“By the first quarter of 2026, Penang’s air connectivity has expanded rapidly, Spring Airlines launched a direct Shanghai – Penang route in January, followed by Guangzhou – Penang in February, making it easier for Chinese travellers to visit Penang. In March, besides the newly announced Phuket and Senai routes, Qingdao Airlines will launch a Qingdao – Penang route on 31 Mar 2026, and in April, Chongqing Airlines’ Chongqing – Penang route will commence.”

“The launch of these new routes demonstrates that, in the first few months of the Visit Malaysia Year 2026, Penang’s international air network has expanded at an fast pace. The coordinated efforts of both domestic and international carriers further consolidate Penang’s role as a gateway for northern Malaysia and as an international tourism hub, while injecting new vitality into the state’s tourism economy,” Wong added,” he said in a press statement.

He also highlighted that in light of the prevailing uncertainties in the Middle East, travelling from both Middle East and Europe to Penang may be affected, in the first quarter of 2026, the Penang State Government has proactively expanded air connectivity across East Asia, Southeast Asia, and domestic routes. 

“By continuously broadening the flight network, Penang aims to diversify its visitor sources and enhance the resilience of its tourism industry. This strategic approach not only underscores Penang’s foresight as a regional tourism hub but also injects sustainable momentum into the local tourism sector, ensuring the state’s tourism industry remains robust and well-positioned in a dynamic global environment.” he said.

Source – Office of State Tourism Exco