PASSENGER traffic at Penang International Airport (PIA) grew by 3.8% year-on-year in January, marking a strong start for Visit Malaysia 2026, says state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai.
The airport recorded 741,183 passenger movements last month, ranking second nationwide after Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
According to the statistics from Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (MAHB), Wong said it showed that Malaysia’s airport network recorded 9.4 million passenger movements in January, with KLIA leading the country with 5.9 million passengers.
“At the beginning of Visit Malaysia 2026, Penang has delivered an impressive performance and achieved a strong start, setting a positive tone for the tourism year,”he said at a media conference.
Penang’s China aviation network has also expanded steadily, with new direct routes introduced monthly during the first four months of the year.
“Within the first four months of 2026, Penang welcomed a new direct flight from a China city every month, setting a historic record in Penang’s aviation development,” Wong noted.
Spring Airlines launched the Shanghai-Penang route on Jan 30, followed by the Guangzhou-Penang route on Feb 1.
Other upcoming routes include the Qingdao-Penang service by Qingdao Airlines scheduled for March 31 and the Chongqing-Penang route by Chongqing Airlines on April 8.
Wong also said that airport facilities were upgraded ahead of Chinese New Year, including the activation of the MyNIISe autogate system to improve immigration clearance efficiency.
Currently, the departure hall is equipped with five MyNIISe autogates for travellers from 73 countries and regions, while the arrival hall has six autogates for travellers from 65 countries and regions.
“Both halls are expected to be expanded to 12 autogates each within the year to meet growing passenger demand,” he added.
According to Wong, the system has improved immigration clearance efficiency and received positive feedback from international travellers on social media, with many describing the process as smooth and efficient.
A new ride-hailing waiting zone has also been set up at the ground floor of the car park opposite the main terminal building.
The area can accommodate up to 86 passengers and is equipped with an electronic display board showing real-time ride-hailing vehicle plate numbers.
Wong pointed out the waiting area also includes an air-conditioned room and a ride-hailing service counter with staff on duty daily from 6am to midnight to assist travellers in booking vehicles via mobile applications.
“The initiative helps resolve previous issues of passengers boarding vehicles at inconsistent locations while improving the overall arrival experience,” he explained.
Story by Edmund Lee