Penang to Receive Charter Flights from Poland, South Korea and Japan, Starting 5 November
Why It MattersDirect charters from Poland, South Korea and Japan show Penang pursuing visitor markets beyond China and Southeast Asia, using seasonal charter capacity ahead of its airport expansion.
Penang's first winter charter from Poland begins on 5 November, with a weekly Warsaw service, State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said. The charter will run until 25 March 2027, with about one flight a week, every Thursday, for a total of 19 flights over the winter season. Each flight is expected to carry about 250 to 300 travellers, which could bring between 4,750 and 5,700 visitors. A travel agency operates the charter and has built eight tourism packages, from which travellers can choose any two. Travellers can stay for seven or 14 days.
Two one-off charters will follow. A flight from South Korea (Busan) is due on 12 November, bringing visitors for a Lions meeting the next day. A flight from Japan (Osaka) is due on 30 December, the day before New Year's Eve.
Wong said it is too early to judge the impact, but the flights should bring foreign visitors directly and add to tourism spending. The state wants visitors from markets beyond China and Southeast Asia. He called the Poland charter "a stepping stone" to a stronger European presence. Penang has also gained direct flights this year from Qingdao, Phuket and Haikou. Penang International Airport's expansion will raise its yearly passenger capacity from 6.5 million to 12 million, and the Mutiara LRT will connect the airport to the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre and SPICE.
