{
  "id": 12285514,
  "title": "Penang seeks 2027 Budget boost for air connectivity, tourism",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/penang-seeks-2027-budget-boost-for-air-connectivity-tourism",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-06T02:33:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/10/1548682/penang-seeks-2027-budget-boost-air-connectivity-tourism"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "George Town, Penang is urging the Malaysian government to allocate funds for 2027 in order to enhance air connectivity, attract international events, and promote the city's heritage for increased tourism and economic benefits. Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai emphasized the importance of targeted investments to bolster the state's tourism agenda and ensure that the economic advantages generated by tourism flow into local communities, providing tangible benefits to residents. Wong suggested the establishment of an International Air Connectivity Fund, which would include matching grants to lure direct flights from key markets like Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Middle East. This initiative would complement the ongoing efforts to strengthen Penang's international air links and maximize the benefits of the upcoming expansion of Penang International Airport (PIA). Wong recently met with senior Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) officials at Kuala Lumpur International Airport to discuss the airport's expansion, upgrade, and route development. He stated that PIA's passenger capacity is expected to increase from 6.8 million to 12 million annually upon completion of the expansion project, which is projected to be finished within the next two years. The following focus will be on fully utilizing this additional capacity by launching new routes and boosting flight frequencies on existing ones. Wong stressed that early collaboration with MAHB was crucial to ensure Penang is prepared to handle the increased capacity and expand its international route network upon the project's completion. He also highlighted the significance of regular communication between the state government and MAHB, focusing on route development, aviation market trends, and future PIA projects. Furthermore, Wong mentioned Penang's potential to broaden its air cargo sector due to its concentration of multinational corporations and the rising demand for international logistics and air freight services. He suggested that the state and MAHB could explore opportunities based on the requirements of companies operating in Penang and identify further prospects in the air freight market. Wong emphasized that PIA's status as Malaysia's second-busiest airport signifies its potential to grow into a significant aviation hub, which should be further developed.",
  "summary": "GEORGE TOWN: Penang wants the 2027 Budget to prioritise air connectivity, international events and George Town’s heritage to strengthen tourism and local economic benefits.",
  "key_points": [
    "Penang seeks 2027 budget boost for air connectivity and tourism.",
    "Penang International Airport expected to double passenger capacity to 12 million annually by 2025."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}