FUEL price fluctuations and the potential introduction of surcharges are not expected to significantly impact Chinese airlines or their operations, including routes to Penang.
Qingdao Airlines Marketing Committee director Li Yuchuan stressed that as government-linked carriers, they are not driven solely by profit but also by broader responsibilities such as maintaining connectivity and supporting tourism and cultural exchange.
“While fuel surcharges have already been introduced on some domestic routes in China, any extension to international routes will be implemented in a controlled and systematic manner, guided by existing regulatory frameworks to ensure fare increases remain within an acceptable range for passengers,” he said at a press conference after attending the Qingdao-Penang Tourism Industry Business Matching Session at St Giles Wembley today.
Concurring with him was state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, who said the current fuel price pressures will not lead to major disruptions or a decline in passenger demand.
“In fact, connectivity between China and Penang continues to expand, with the inaugural Qingdao flight having landed on March 31, and another new service from Chongqing scheduled to commence on April 8.
“This will make Chongqing the eighth Chinese city with direct links to Penang, joining Guangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Shanghai, Chengdu and Qingdao,” he said.
By comparison, Wong mentioned that disruptions have been limited to Middle East routes, involving carriers such as Emirates and Qatar Airways, where services were temporarily suspended around late March due to evolving regional conditions.
“The Dubai route is considered less critical, while Qatar Airways is understood to be gradually restoring operations, potentially prioritising cargo services before fully resuming passenger flights,” he added.
Despite these developments, Wong pointed there has been no observed decline in passenger traffic, with expectations of continued growth driven by the addition of new China routes.
“Tourism industry players have also expressed optimism, reflected in strong participation at recent business-to-business sessions involving both international and local stakeholders,” he said.
At the same time, he said disruptions in the Middle East have opened up opportunities for Penang to position itself as an alternative destination for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), particularly for events that may be relocating from cities such as Dubai.
“Efforts to further strengthen connectivity are ongoing, including participation in Routes Asia 2026, where Penang representatives will engage with global airlines and industry players to explore new routes and partnerships,” he added.
Also present was Penang Global Tourism (PGT) chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat