The frequency of international flights at Penang International Airport (PIA) reached 320 flights per week as of February this year, surpassing the 284 per week recorded before the Covid-19 pandemic.
Penang tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said in 2016 there were only 208 flights per week.
“With the continuous rise in both passenger numbers and flight frequencies, the current 16 aircraft bays are insufficient to meet future demand,” he said, adding that an expansion plan was underway to manage the growing influx of passengers.
Wong said the plan included 12 new aircraft bays, comprising six with contact stands and six remote bays, to bring the number to 28 aircraft bays, nearly doubling the current capacity.
The plan, Wong said, was divided into three key phases.
Phase One covers the auxiliary building and associated works, while Phase Two includes construction of airside facilities and pavement work for the apron and taxiway.
Phase Three focuses on the development of the main terminal building and its associated infrastructure.
“As of mid-March, physical works in Phase One have progressed to 32% and the overall progress remains on track.
“It will be completed as scheduled,” Wong told state publisher Buletin Mutiara.
He added that the progress of the expansion project, undertaken by the Federal Government, was being closely monitored by the state government to ensure smooth execution and strong communication between relevant agencies.
Wong said in January and February this year, the total passenger movement at PIA reached 1,379,084, marking a 17.35% increase compared to 1,175,211 in the same period last year.
The international passenger movement, he said, surged by 22.56%, rising from 600,084 in 2024 to 735,460 in 2025, while domestic passenger movement increased by 11.91%, from 575,127 to 643,624.
“These figures demonstrate that PIA is steadily establishing itself as a hub for international tourism, with international passenger traffic surpassing domestic travellers,” he said.
According to the latest Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia data, PIA is ranked the second busiest airport in Malaysia in 2024 after Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
Wong recently led a delegation of Penang tourism industry players to PIA for a meeting with the airport management.
He said the visit was aimed at monitoring the progress of the airport’s expansion project while providing a platform for direct dialogue between tourism stakeholders and airport management.
He said discussions were focused on optimising airport facilities and services to bolster Penang’s competitiveness as an international tourism destination.
