PENANG today welcomed the inaugural direct flight from Phuket, operated by AirAsia, marking another significant milestone in the state’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its aviation network and regional connectivity.
The flight, carrying 165 passengers, touched down at 3.51pm at Penang International Airport (PIA).
The Phuket–Penang service, operated under flight number AK1821, will initially run four times weekly. Flights departing Phuket on Mondays and Sundays take off at 1.50pm local time and arrive in Penang at 3.55pm. On Wednesdays and Fridays, flights depart Phuket at 1.10pm and arrive in Penang at 3.15pm.
For the return leg, flight AK1820 departs PIA at 1.20pm on Mondays and Sundays, arriving in Phuket at 1.25pm local time. On Wednesdays and Fridays, flights depart Penang at 12.35pm and arrive in Phuket at 12.40pm local time.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, who welcomed the inaugural arrival today, described the launch as another important step in strengthening regional connectivity.
“The introduction of the direct flight between Phuket and Penang brings two of Southeast Asia’s most popular island destinations closer together.
“It significantly enhances travel convenience between the two cities while injecting new momentum into regional tourism exchanges.
“The launch of this route not only aligns with the broader recovery of regional tourism but also further reinforces Penang’s position as an important gateway for tourism in the region,” he said.
Wong noted that AirAsia has long been a key partner in strengthening Penang’s aviation network.
“The launch of the Phuket–Penang route demonstrates the airline’s continued commitment to expanding its presence in Penang while contributing to increased international visitor arrivals and supporting the sustained growth of the state’s tourism industry,” he added.
He also pointed out that AirAsia currently operates the largest number of direct domestic and international routes from PIA, connecting Penang with major cities across the region and playing a pivotal role in enhancing the state’s connectivity and regional integration.
“In terms of flight frequency, as of January 2026, PIA records 336 international flights and 297 domestic flights per week.
“For international routes, AirAsia currently operates flights connecting Penang with Bangkok (14 flights weekly), Medan (24), Jakarta (14), Surabaya (4), Shenzhen (4), Singapore (34), and Ho Chi Minh City (7).
“This amounts to a total of 101 weekly international flights, representing approximately 30% of all international flights operating at PIA,” he said.
He added that for domestic routes, AirAsia operates flights connecting Penang with Johor Bahru (15 flights weekly), Kota Kinabalu (14), Kuala Lumpur International Airport (76), Kuching (14), and Langkawi (24), amounting to a total of 143 weekly domestic flights, which accounts for approximately 48% of all domestic flights at PIA.
“This clearly demonstrates the significant role AirAsia plays in Penang’s aviation ecosystem. Its extensive route network not only provides Penang with strong air connectivity but also supports the state’s efforts to expand its tourism markets and strengthen international accessibility,” Wong said.
Wong added that strengthening air connectivity with major cities across Southeast Asia particularly neighbouring destinations in Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore will further expand Penang’s regional tourism footprint.
“This will enable Penang to attract more travellers from across Southeast Asia and beyond, while supporting the continued growth and resilience of the state’s tourism industry,” he said.
Also present was Penang Global Tourism (PGT) chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix courtesy of YB Wong’s office