PENANG has welcomed its first direct long-haul charter flight from Warsaw, Poland, marking a new step in the state’s efforts to attract more European tourists.
The LOT Polish Airlines flight, LO6519, arrived at Penang International Airport at 9.45am today, carrying more than 200 passengers.
The programme is expected to bring thousands of Polish tourists to Penang, generate more than RM30 million in tourism-related economic benefits and increase spending across hotels, restaurants, transportation, shopping and tourist attractions.
Organised by Panorama in collaboration with its European partner, the charter programme will operate throughout the 2026/2027 European winter season.
The programme is expected to bring about 4,000 international tourists through a series of charter flights, with holiday packages ranging from one to two weeks across Southeast Asia.
Although unable to attend the welcoming ceremony due to the ongoing Penang Legislative Assembly sitting, state executive councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy Wong Hon Wai said the inaugural flight marked an opportunity to expand Penang’s tourism market and strengthen its connectivity with Europe.
“The Penang government is committed to exploring new growth opportunities for the tourism industry by actively diversifying our source markets to strengthen the sector’s overall resilience.
“Establishing long-haul inbound charter flights to tap into European markets and deepen Penang’s international tourism connectivity is one of the initial strategies towards achieving this objective,” he said.
He added that the charter services would bring international visitors, particularly those from countries with relatively high spending power, directly to Penang.
“This brings not only international visitors but also their spending power directly into Penang. Their expenditure will generate economic activity across various sectors, including accommodation, food and beverage, transportation, tourist attractions and related services. This allows businesses throughout the tourism value chain to benefit collectively, creating a multiplier effect for the state’s tourism economy,” he said.
Wong said the state government would continue to explore new and long-haul tourism markets amid growing competition among regional destinations.
To support the programme, Penang Global Tourism has also prepared a Polish-language brochure introducing the state’s attractions, cultural heritage and local experiences.
“The brochure will help our Polish guests discover more of Penang’s diverse appeal, from its beautiful beaches and natural landscapes to its rich cultural heritage, history and local flavours.
“It will provide them with a better understanding of the range of experiences Penang has to offer as they plan their visits,” he said.
The weekly charter service will operate from November 4, 2026, until March 2027, with 19 flights scheduled. Each flight is expected to carry between 250 and 300 passengers.
Among those present at the welcoming ceremony were Penang Global Tourism chief executive officer Ooi Chok Yan, AirAsia northern region director Kenneth Tan, Panorama Group chief executive officer Budi Tirtawisata, Tourism Malaysia deputy director-general (Promotion II) Samuel Lee, Republic of Poland in Kuala Lumpur counsellor Mateusz Reszczyk, Republic of Poland honorary consul in Penang Datuk Seri Suppiah Manikam, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture representative Revathy Muruvin, and Malaysian Association of Hotels Penang Chapter vice-chairman Ben Ho.
Story by Ammar Mikhail Aamer
Pix by Siew Chia En