Penang Eyes Direct Jinan-Penang Flights To Strengthen Air Connectivity With Northern China
GEORGE TOWN, June 23 (Bernama) -- The Penang government is exploring the possibility of launching direct flights between Jinan and Penang as part of its efforts to strengthen air connectivity with northern China and expand the state’s tourism market reach.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the proposal was discussed during a recent visit by a Penang government delegation to Shandong Province, China, where they met with the management of Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport. The delegation was in Shandong to promote Penang through the Penang-Qingdao Tourism Roadshow and to strengthen tourism and aviation cooperation with stakeholders in the province.
"Discussions with airport officials focused on the feasibility of establishing a direct Jinan-Penang route, (as) Shandong, one of China’s most populous and economically significant provinces, presents substantial tourism potential for Penang. Jinan, the capital of Shandong Province, has a population of more than 9.6 million, underscoring its considerable market potential,” he said in a statement today.
Wong said the launch of the Qingdao-Penang direct flight on March 31 this year has provided a strong foundation for Penang to tap into Shandong and the wider northern China tourism markets. “If Penang can explore a direct Jinan-Penang service in addition to the existing Qingdao route, it will help establish a more comprehensive and multi-dimensional aviation network in Shandong,” he added.
Wong said that China’s extensive high-speed rail network would enable travellers from across the province to conveniently connect to either Jinan or Qingdao airports before flying directly to Penang. He added that positioning both cities as gateway hubs would enhance accessibility for travellers from Shandong while boosting Penang’s visibility and attractiveness in northern China.
He noted that Penang has made significant progress in expanding its air links with China over the past three years. In August 2023, Penang scheduled direct flights to only Guangzhou and Hong Kong, but currently enjoys direct scheduled services to eight Chinese cities, namely Guangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Qingdao and Chongqing.
Including charter flights between Kunming and Penang, he said the state is now connected to nine major Chinese cities through direct air services. “This reflects the growing recognition and demand from the China market for Penang’s tourism products, cultural heritage, culinary experiences and city appeal,” he added.
He also highlighted the continued growth of Penang International Airport, which recorded 8.31 million passenger movements in 2025 compared with 7.47 million in 2024, representing an increase of 11.25 per cent. He said the airport’s ongoing expansion project, expected to be completed in 2028, will increase annual passenger handling capacity to 12 million passengers and support future tourism growth, international route development and regional economic expansion.
"The state government’s current engagement with Chinese cities, airports and airlines forms part of its long-term planning to prepare for the airport’s expanded capacity in 2027 and 2028. Our efforts today are aimed at ensuring that once the Penang International Airport expansion is completed, Penang will be ready with a stronger route network, a broader visitor base and more mature market preparation to welcome the next phase of growth in the tourism industry,” he added.
-- BERNAMA
