Penang, MAHB ramp up plans for new international routes as PIA expansion progresses

George Town, on October 6 — Penang's government and Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) are collaborating to ramp up international air connectivity plans, as the expansion of Penang International Airport (PIA) continues. State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai emphasized the importance of early planning to ensure the new capacity created by the expansion can be optimally utilized.

The project aims to boost PIA's annual passenger capacity from 6.8 million to 12 million, opening up new international routes and increasing service frequency on existing ones. Wong confirmed a recent meeting with MAHB officials to discuss the expansion and upgrade of PIA, as well as strategies for developing new air routes. The Penang government has been actively working to establish direct air links to major international cities, which has increased tourist arrivals and generated economic benefits.

They plan to hold regular meetings with MAHB to discuss route development, aviation market trends, and future projects involving PIA. Wong also encouraged MAHB to continue prioritizing PIA as Malaysia's second busiest airport and to share aviation market intelligence to further enhance its potential as an aviation hub. Additionally, the Penang government has urged the federal government to strengthen the tourism development agenda under Budget 2027, including through the creation of an International Air Connectivity Fund to attract more direct flights from key markets like Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Middle East.