Flights from China are touching down in Penang at a fast and furious manner.
In the first four months of Visit Malaysia 2026, the island has added a new direct flight from a Chinese city almost every month, local authorities revealed.
According to Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy Wong Hon Wai, Spring Airlines launched its daily Shanghai–Penang service on 30 January, followed by a thrice-weekly Guangzhou–Penang route on 1 February.
With the addition of these routes, Penang’s international direct flight frequency has increased to 335 flights per week, up from 325 as of December 2025.
Further expansions are lined up, with Qingdao Airlines set to launch a Qingdao–Penang service on 31 March, followed by a Chongqing–Penang route by Chongqing Airlines on 8 April.
Wong noted that the growth comes at an opportune time, as Malaysia gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026, during which Penang has made steady progress in strengthening air connectivity with China.
He added that Penang’s rapid expansion in international air links in recent years reflects sustained efforts by the Penang State Government to enhance the island’s accessibility.