Chennai-Penang flight on cards, more South India links planned

Chennai is in discussions to become the first Indian city to establish a direct flight connection with Penang, a Malaysian state, according to a press release from the 7th edition of the Penang Roadshow to India 2024.

The announcement was made by Wong Hon Wai, Penang State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman, during the event held in Chennai.

Currently, travellers heading to Penang must take a flight from Kuala Lumpur.

Direct flight to Penang, boosting connectivity

Speaking at the roadshow, Wong Hon Wai stated, “Talks are on for a direct flight between Chennai and Penang. Currently, people visiting Penang have to take a flight from Kuala Lumpur.”

This potential direct flight aims to enhance connectivity and streamline travel for individuals heading to Penang.

Additionally, discussions are underway with various airlines to establish connections between tier-2 towns of Tamil Nadu and Kuala Lumpur.

Razaidi Abdul Rahim, Director of Tourism Malaysia (South India and Sri Lanka), disclosed, “There are plans to have one more flight from Chennai. And a direct flight from Madurai and Tiruchi to Kuala Lumpur.”

As of now, AirAsia operates 14 flights per week from Chennai to Kuala Lumpur, Batik Air (7/week), Malaysia Airlines (14/week), and Indigo (7/week). The move to expand direct flight options aligns with efforts to bolster regional connectivity and promote tourism.

Chennai & Penang forge closer links

Wong, highlighted the region’s diverse attractions and revealed plans for a new convention centre scheduled for completion in 2025.

“We are also coming up with a new convention centre, and this will be completed in 2025. This will open up more opportunities for business people,” he stated. The tourism official emphasized the potential for increased business activities and collaborations with the new infrastructure.

Wong also noted that the recent announcement of visa-free travel, allowing stays of up to 30 days from December 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, is expected to encourage more Indians to visit Malaysia.

This move aims to facilitate smoother travel experiences and boost tourism between the two nations.

The Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) unveiled the 7th edition of the Penang Roadshow to India 2024 in Chennai on Friday.

The roadshow serves as an opportunity for Indian travel enthusiasts and industry professionals to gain insights into Penang.

According to a statement by PCEB, the ‘Penang Odyssey’ campaign, a strategic initiative, aims to position Penang as the preferred destination for both business meetings and leisure escapades in the Indian market.

With a dual focus on business and leisure, the campaign seeks to foster mutually beneficial relationships with India’s travel agents.

In 2023, Penang hosted approximately 600 events with 160,000 delegates, signalling a robust event calendar with an estimated economic impact (EEI) of RM1 billion.

As talks progress for a potential direct flight between Chennai and Penang, the collaboration between the two regions appears poised to further strengthen economic ties and tourism prospects.