PENANG is set to mark a historic milestone on March 31 with the launch of its first-ever direct flight between Qingdao and Penang, operated by Qingdao Airlines — a move that significantly strengthens air connectivity between the two cities.
In conjunction with the launch, Penang state executive councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, Wong Hon Wai, led a Penang state government delegation to Qingdao, Shandong Province, to attend the “Qingdao–Penang Direct Flight Launching and Cooperation Matchmaking Event”. The visit aims to leverage the new route to further elevate tourism and economic collaboration between Penang and Qingdao.
Speaking at the event, Wong described the new route as a “vital air bridge” that marks a new chapter in deepening cooperation between Penang and Qingdao, as well as between Malaysia and China across tourism, trade and cultural exchanges.
“This is a significant and encouraging development. With the introduction of this route, Qingdao will become the northernmost city in China currently connected to Penang via direct flights,” he said in a press statement.
“This important breakthrough reflects the steady northward expansion of Penang’s air connectivity with China, progressively enhancing our network coverage and strengthening overall connectivity.”
Wong noted that Shandong Province, with a population of 104.3 million as of end-2025, presents vast potential for tourism growth.
“Beyond facilitating direct travel from Qingdao, this route is expected to serve as a gateway to other major cities across Shandong, including Yantai, Jinan, Zibo, Weifang, Weihai and Rizhao.
“It will attract a broader pool of visitors from the province to Penang, generating substantial tourism-driven economic benefits,” he said.
He added that Qingdao Airlines connects Qingdao to key cities in Northeast China, such as Harbin, Changchun, Yanji and Dalian, positioning Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport as a strategic transit hub.
“With efficient transit connectivity, links between Penang and China’s Northeast region will be significantly enhanced, improving accessibility and opening up greater opportunities to tap into northern China markets,” he said.
Wong also highlighted that Qingdao Airlines’ network extends beyond China to major cities in Northeast Asia, including Seoul, Jeju and Daegu in South Korea, as well as Osaka and Nagoya in Japan.
“With its extensive and well-connected route network, the Qingdao–Penang link will not only connect Penang with Shandong and Northeast China, but also position Penang within the broader Northeast Asia market,” he said.
During the event, industry players from both cities formalised several cooperation agreements, laying a strong foundation for future collaboration in trade, tourism, education and logistics.
Meanwhile, Gao Jian, the vice-mayor of the Qingdao Municipal Government, said in his speech that Malaysia is currently the third largest source of inbound tourists to Qingdao.
“With the launch of the Qingdao–Penang direct flight, a single route will connect two vibrant cities, reducing travel time to a convenient same-day journey.
”Today’s matchmaking event has also created a high-level platform for economic cooperation, cultural exchange and people-to-people connectivity,” Gao Jian said.
Looking ahead, Gao outlined three key areas of cooperation: strengthening economic and trade collaboration, deepening cultural and tourism exchanges, and fostering stronger people-to-people ties through multi-level engagement involving governments, businesses and civil society.
Also present were Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng; Qingdao Municipal Government deputy secretary Zhang Hui; Qingdao vice-mayor Gao Jian; Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan; Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general (Promotion II) Samuel Lee Thai Hung; Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (Penang Branch) president Datuk Teh Eng Hin; Chiao Nan Primary School deputy chairman Datuk Hwang Thean Long; Malaysia Inbound Tourism Association president Mint Leong; and officials from the Qingdao Municipal Government.
Pix courtesy of Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE)