THE Chengdu-Penang direct flight has generated nearly RM30 million in tourism economic benefits for Penang, reflecting growing travel demand and stronger connectivity between the two destinations.
Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the Sichuan Airlines-operated route had carried about 54,700 passengers through 376 flights between May 1, 2025 and Aug 31, 2026.
He said the route, which was launched on May 1 last year, has strengthened tourism, business and cultural exchanges between Penang and Sichuan.
“The figures are not merely a reflection of the route’s strong operational performance, but also a clear indication of the growing momentum in tourism exchanges between Sichuan and Penang,” he said at the “Sichuan Airlines – Penang 2027 Route and Sichuan Tourism Products Promotion” event recently.
He said the route received an encouraging response from travellers in both markets, prompting Sichuan Airlines to increase its frequency from five flights weekly to a daily service since October 2025.
“This strong response reflects the robust travel demand between Sichuan and Penang, while demonstrating the important role of air connectivity in driving tourism exchanges and strengthening links between destinations,” he said.
Wong said the Chengdu-Penang connection is significant as Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, one of China’s major aviation hubs, provides wider connectivity to various cities in China and international markets.
He said passengers travelling to Penang via Chengdu included those from cities such as Beijing, Zhengzhou, Kunming, Nanjing, Xuzhou, Jinan and Hangzhou, as well as international markets including Russia, Japan, Egypt, Türkiye, Italy, Spain, the United States and Canada.
“This makes the connectivity between Penang International Airport and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport much more significant than simply adding another international route.
“It connects Penang to a wider and well-established aviation network, opening access to a broader range of source markets across China and beyond,” he said.
Wong added that Sichuan and Penang offer complementary tourism experiences, with Sichuan known for its landscapes, cultural heritage and inland attractions, while Penang offers its coastal setting, multicultural heritage and island experience.
“The more accessible the connectivity, the greater the potential for travellers from Sichuan and other parts of China to discover Penang, while travellers from Penang and Malaysia will also have greater opportunities to experience the diverse tourism offerings of Sichuan,” he said.
He also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to working with Sichuan Airlines and tourism industry players to further strengthen tourism exchanges between both destinations.
Pix courtesy of Petace