Penang will receive its first-ever winter charter flight from Poland on Nov 5, marking a significant step in the state’s efforts to diversify its international tourism source markets and gain a foothold in the wider European market.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the Warsaw-Penang winter charter service, operated by a travel agency and flown by LOT Polish Airlines, will run until March 25, 2027, with approximately one flight a week departing from Warsaw Chopin Airport every Thursday and arriving at Penang International Airport.
"A total of 19 flights are expected to operate throughout the winter season, with each flight carrying approximately 250 to 300 travellers.
"As part of the charter programme, the travel agency has also developed eight tourism packages for Polish travellers, who may select any two packages for an in-depth Penang travel experience. The programmes will be led by local Penang tour guides, allowing visitors to gain a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the state’s culture, history, natural attractions and way of life,” he said in a statement.
On Oct 1, Wong had a meeting with representatives of the travel agency and destination management company responsible for the charter flight project to finalise preparations for the inaugural service in Penang.
Wong said the packages were specially tailored to Polish travellers’ winter holiday preferences, offering seven- or 14-day stays combining city exploration and beach holidays, including one week exploring Penang’s attractions and cultural heritage followed by a week of leisure on the island’s beaches.
He said the initiative would not only strengthen Penang’s international air connectivity but also open an important window for the state’s tourism industry to tap the European market, describing the charter as a stepping stone towards establishing a stronger presence there.
He said winter charter flights were a practical way of connecting Penang with long-haul markets by responding to seasonal travel demand in different countries and leveraging established tourism packages offered by travel operators.
"Charter flights, particularly seasonal winter charters designed around specific travel demand, can serve as an important entry point for opening up new markets, cultivating new sources of visitors and exploring the potential for establishing long-term air connectivity in the future.
"The Warsaw-Penang winter charter is regarded as a starting point and represents a positive exploration by Penang’s tourism industry to further develop long-haul markets in Europe,” he said – Bernama
