Penang charter flights start 5 November with Poland first

Penang charter flights from Europe start this week. The state’s first winter charter from Poland begins on 5 November, with a weekly service from Warsaw.

State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the Poland charter will run until 25 March 2027. It follows new direct flights from Haikou and other Asian cities.

Here are the Poland details, the Busan and Osaka flights and what Penang hopes to gain.

The Poland winter charter

First, the route. LOT Polish Airlines will fly from Warsaw Chopin Airport to Penang International Airport. A travel agency is operating the charter.

Next, the schedule. The first flight is on 5 November. After that, there is about one flight a week, every Thursday, until 25 March 2027.

Also, the size. There will be 19 flights over the winter season. Each is expected to carry about 250 to 300 travellers.

Then, the packages. The agency has built eight tourism packages, and travellers can choose any two. Local Penang guides will lead them.

However, trips differ in length. Travellers can stay for seven or 14 days, mixing city exploration with beach holidays.

In total, the service covers almost five months, from early November to late March.

Also, the agency that operates the charter designed all eight packages.

Overall, 19 flights at 250 to 300 travellers each could bring between 4,750 and 5,700 visitors.

The Busan and Osaka flights

First, Busan. A one-off charter from South Korea is due on 12 November. It brings visitors for a Lions meeting the next day.

Next, Osaka. Another one-off charter, from Japan, is due on 30 December.

Also, the details. The reports do not name the airlines for these two flights.

Meanwhile, Wong said it is too early to judge the impact. He said the flights should bring foreign visitors directly and add to tourism spending.

Overall, the state wants visitors from markets beyond China and Southeast Asia.

Also, the Busan flight is tied to an event, so those visitors arrive with a fixed purpose.

Likewise, the Osaka flight arrives the day before New Year’s Eve.

However, the reports give no figures for the Busan and Osaka groups.

In short, Penang will receive charter groups from Poland, South Korea and Japan within two months.

What it means for Penang

First, the context. Penang has gained direct flights this year from Qingdao, Phuket and Haikou.

Next, the airport. Penang International Airport’s expansion will raise its yearly passenger capacity from 6.5 million to 12 million.

Also, the link. The Mutiara LRT will connect the airport to the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre and SPICE.

Then, the trade. Wong spoke at the ninth Penang International Travel Exchange. About 80 international buyers met more than 40 Malaysian exhibitors there.

Also, these routes sit alongside the Poland charter as new ways into Penang.

Likewise, the airport expansion will nearly double its yearly passenger capacity.

In addition, the trade exchange gave the state a venue to promote these routes to buyers.

Meanwhile, Wong called the Poland charter “a stepping stone” to a stronger European presence.

For now, we will update this story on Penang charter flights when the first plane lands.

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