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

George Town, Oct 6 - Penang's government is set to collaborate with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) to bolster international air connectivity alongside the ongoing enhancement of Penang International Airport (PIA). Wong Hon Wai, chairperson of the State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee, emphasized the importance of early planning to maximize the utilization of PIA's enhanced capacity, which is projected to rise from 6.8 million to 12 million passengers annually within the next two years.

This expansion would create opportunities for introducing new international routes and increasing frequency on current ones. In a statement, Wong expressed the necessity of early preparations and a close working relationship with MAHB to devise necessary plans. The Penang government has been actively working towards establishing direct air links between Penang and major international cities, contributing to increased tourist arrivals and broader economic benefits.

The state government and MAHB will be holding frequent meetings to discuss route development, aviation market trends, and future projects related to PIA. Wong also encouraged MAHB to continue focusing on PIA's role as Malaysia's second busiest airport and leverage its potential as an aviation hub through the timely sharing of aviation market intelligence and relevant data.

The Penang government has also called on the federal government to bolster the tourism development agenda under the 2027 budget, including the establishment of an International Air Connectivity Fund with matching grants to attract more direct flights from key markets like Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Middle East.