GEORGE TOWN: International passenger movements at Penang International Airport are showing year-on-year growth, said state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai.
He said the airport recorded 2,646,500 international passenger movements from January to July this year (2026) compared with 2,381,520 during the same period last year.
"This represents an increase of 264,980 passenger movements, or 11.13%.
"This growth reflects the continued improvement in Penang’s international air connectivity.
"It shows that the state government’s efforts to expand international routes and develop new tourism source markets are gradually producing positive results," he said in a statement on Tuesday (Sept 8).
Wong said preparations were underway for two new international direct flight routes scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of this year.
"Hainan Airlines will commence a direct service between Haikou, Hainan, and Penang on Oct 11, establishing a new air link between Penang and Hainan province in China.
"Batik Air will launch a direct service between Batam, Indonesia, and Penang on Oct 18 as well, further strengthening connectivity between Penang and Indonesia’s Riau Islands," he said.
Wong said the state government in recent years has actively worked to strengthen Penang’s international aviation network by promoting direct air links with major international cities.
He then said the recent eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau in Indonesia, which led to the cancellation of several flights between Penang and Jakarta, has had minimal impact on passengers at the Penang International Airport.
Wong said there has not been any large-scale stranding of Indonesian passengers at the airport following the flight cancellations this week.
"The affected airlines - AirAsia, TransNusa and Batik Air, notified passengers in advance through email, messages and other communication channels.
"Based on the latest information provided by the airport, the respective airlines operating those affected flights promptly notified their passengers.
"Due to their promptness, there has not been any large-scale stranding of Indonesian passengers at the Penang International Airport,” he said.
