IN 2024, Penang made aviation history. For the first time ever, Penang International Airport overtook Kota Kinabalu International Airport in terms of aircraft movement.
According to data from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), Penang now ranks second in Malaysia for total aircraft movements, just behind Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), and ahead of Kota Kinabalu.
This was shared by state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai during the State Legislative Assembly Sitting today.
“This is a major milestone for our state.
“In February 2025, we recorded 320 international flights per week arriving in Penang.
“To put this into perspective, in February 2019, prior to the Covid 19 pandemic, we had only 284 weekly flights.
“Going back even further, in February 2016, we only had 208 international flights per week.
“This means we have seen a growth of over 50% in under 10 years,” Wong (PH – Paya Terubong) said in his answer responding to a supplementary question by Joseph Ng Soon Siang (PH – Air Itam) at the State Assembly Building in Light Street today.
He further stated that these numbers reflect Penang’s growing appeal as a premier international destination, and our strategic position as a hub in the region.
“In addition to air travel, Penang is accessible via sea and land routes.
“Major cruise liners dock regularly at our port, bringing in thousands of tourists from around the world.
“These cruise passengers are an important part of our tourism landscape, and we will continue to enhance port infrastructure to better serve them,” Wong said.
On land, he shared his excitement over a development that will diversify the state’s tourism reach, which is rail connectivity.
“We have received confirmation that Penang will soon welcome international train services, particularly between Penang and Thailand.
“These routes will not only connect us to southern Thailand, but also to the broader Indochina region, including destinations popular among European backpackers such as Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.
“Tourists can now travel overland from these countries to Bangkok, then board a train that brings them directly to Butterworth, and onward to Penang Island.
“This railway connectivity represents a new chapter in Penang’s tourism sector, particularly from the overland travel market, which has been growing in recent years.
“It also creates more opportunities for tourism growth not just on the island, but also on the mainland, benefiting towns across Seberang Perai,” he stated.
The Penang government strategically tapping into all three major modes of transport, from air, sea, to land, is a major step towards boosting the state’s tourism.
“Our progress in the aviation sector, complemented by the upcoming international train connections and strong maritime presence, places us in a strong position to welcome even more visitors in the years to come,” Wong added.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat