THE inaugural Qingdao–Penang direct flight marks a significant milestone in strengthening Penang’s connectivity with China, says state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai.
He said the new route was the result of sustained efforts, close collaboration and strong commitment from multiple stakeholders, and not an overnight achievement.
Wong said he had travelled to Qingdao just last week to attend the launch and cooperation matchmaking event, noting that the journey took over 10 hours via Guangzhou due to the lack of a direct flight.
“With this direct route, travel time is now reduced to about six hours, saving at least four hours,” he said at a media conference after welcoming the arrival of the flight at Penang International Airport (PIA) in Bayan Lepas.
He added that the Qingdao event was attended by Qingdao Airlines management, city government leaders and heads of key departments, reflecting the high level of importance placed on the route.
Wong said both governments and industry players had made extensive preparations to ensure the successful launch, while tourism stakeholders from Penang and Qingdao had also signed multiple cooperation agreements to deepen collaboration and create mutual benefits.
He noted that Qingdao is now the northernmost Chinese city with a direct connection to Penang, and the first such link between Penang and Shandong province.
“This route allows Penang to tap into a wider network, as Qingdao serves as a hub connecting to major cities in Northeast China such as Harbin, Changchun and Dalian,” he said.
Wong noted that Qingdao Airlines also operates flights to other Asian destinations including Seoul, Jeju and Daegu in South Korea, as well as Osaka and Nagoya in Japan.
“This opens up opportunities for travellers to fly to Qingdao and connect onwards to South Korea and Japan, while also attracting visitors from these countries to Penang,” he said.
He said the route strengthens Penang’s linkage not only with Shandong and Northeast China, but also enhances its position within the broader Northeast Asian market.
“With this, we are effectively connecting Northeast Asia with Southeast Asia and creating more opportunities for tourism, trade and cultural exchanges,” he said.
Wong mentioned that Qingdao is the seventh Chinese city with scheduled direct flights to Penang, joining Xiamen, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Chengdu.
He added that efforts are ongoing to expand connectivity further, with potential routes to cities such as Kunming, Xi’an and Haikou being explored.
He said the growing number of routes reflects a stronger and more structured air connectivity network between Penang and China.
Wong noted that Qingdao, as a major coastal city with a strong industrial base and well-developed aviation system, would serve as a gateway to the wider Shandong province.
“This includes cities such as Jinan, Yantai, Weifang, Weihai and Rizhao, allowing us to tap into a larger pool of visitors and increase Penang’s visibility in northern China,” he said.
He added that Qingdao’s links to key Northeast China cities further enhance the strategic value of the route.
“This connection goes beyond linking two cities, as it extends to the entire Shandong region and Northeast China, while also connecting Penang to the wider Northeast Asian market,” he said.
Wong said a business-to-business session would be held in Penang on April 3 to bring together tourism industry players from both sides.
“It will serve as a platform for stakeholders to build closer ties and explore new opportunities for collaboration,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation to Qingdao Airlines, the Qingdao municipal government and all partners involved in making the route a reality.
Wong added that the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia and Tourism Malaysia had provided strong support in international route development and market promotion.
“This achievement reflects the close cooperation between governments and industry players,” he said.
The flight QW923 departed from Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport and arrived at Penang International Airport at about 3.35pm.
Operated by Qingdao Airlines using an Airbus A320neo aircraft with a capacity of 185 seats, the service runs three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, enhancing travel convenience between China and Malaysia.
Qingdao Airlines Marketing Committee director Li Yuchuan said the launch reflects strong cooperation between both sides and marks a key step in enhancing regional connectivity.
He said the route not only shortens travel time but also strengthens Qingdao’s role as a hub linking Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia, enabling seamless connections to major cities in northern China, as well as South Korea and Japan.
Li added that the service would facilitate tourism flows, business exchanges and cultural ties, with the airline committed to maintaining safe operations and high service standards while expanding connectivity between the two regions.
Among those present were Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, Berapit assemblyman Heng Lee Lee, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, Penang Global Tourism (PGT) chief executive officer (CEO) Ooi Chok Yan, Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI) general manager Datin S. Bharathi, and Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general Samuel Lee.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud