GEORGE TOWN: The Penang International Airport (PIA) has been named CAPA – Centre for Aviation’s Asia Small and Medium Airport of the Year.
Malaysia Airports said the airport (PIA) received the prestigious award recognising its operational efficiency, innovative services and contribution to regional economic growth.
The award was presented at the CAPA Asia and Environmental Sustainability Awards for Excellence on Oct 1 this year (2026) in Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan, during the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Asia.
"As a gateway to northern Malaysia, PIA provides crucial connectivity that supports the region’s tourism, trade and investment.
"The airport handled 4 million passenger movements in the first half of 2026, comprising 2.2 million international and 1.8 million domestic movements.
"As of September this year (2026), it was served by 27 airlines connecting Penang to 22 destinations," it said in a statement on Wednesday (Oct 7).
Malaysia Airports said expansion works are currently ongoing at PIA to increase its annual passenger handling capacity from 6.5 million to 12 million.
The project includes expanding the main terminal and aircraft apron, its supporting infrastructure, as well as accommodating an increase in passengers and aircraft.
It said the additional capacity will support Penang’s tourism sector and the international business links that its manufacturing and investment activities depend on.
"As construction progresses, we continue to coordinate works around airport operations to maintain service for passengers and airlines.
"Alongside the expansion, we are working with airlines and tourism partners to develop Penang’s route network.
"Providing capacity for additional services will allow the airport to offer more travel options and strengthen northern Malaysia’s access to international markets," it said.
Malaysia Airports managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani said they understand Penang’s development ambitions.
He said beyond its appeal as a tourist destination, Penang is central to Malaysia’s ambition to lead the region in high-value manufacturing.
"Its airport must provide the connectivity and capacity to support that growth. That is why we are approaching the airport’s expansion as part of Penang’s wider infrastructure development.
"This award recognises the work of our airport team and partners and our responsibility is to build on that progress with an airport that can keep pace with Penang’s ambitions," he said.
