Hainan, here we come: Penang gets new direct China flight in Oct

Georgetown, on August 12 — Hainan's Haikou-Penang direct flight service will commence on October 11, elevating Haikou to the ninth Chinese city with a scheduled direct air connection to Penang, announced State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai. Wong emphasized that the new route would bolster air connectivity between Hainan and Penang, and unlock greater opportunities for Penang to tap into the vast Chinese tourism market.

The announcement came following a meeting with Hainan Airlines representatives in Guangzhou, during Wong's tourism roadshow showcasing Penang's tourism attractions. Both parties had finalized plans for the new route, Wong stated in a statement. Haikou will join Guangzhou, Xiamen, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Qingdao, and Chongqing as Chinese cities with direct flights to Penang.

The inaugural service, HU477, departs from Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK) at 5:30 pm on October 11, arriving at Penang International Airport (PEN) at 8:45 pm on the same day. The return flight, HU478, takes off from Penang International Airport at 9:45 pm on the same day, touching down at Haikou Meilan International Airport at 1 am the following day.

Operated twice weekly on Wednesdays and Sundays, the new route is poised to enhance Penang's appeal as an international tourism destination, cement its existing China tourist market, and facilitate broader economic and industrial exchanges between Penang and Hainan. Wong highlighted the significant population of Haikou and Hainan Province, noting that the new air link would deepen cooperation in areas such as business, creative industries, culture, people-to-people exchanges, and tourism.