Air connectivity between Malaysia and India will be further strengthened when IndiGo commences direct daily flights between Chennai and Penang from December 21, 2024.
IndiGo will be the first Indian carrier to fly to Penang post-lockdown and the flights mark a significant step in strengthening the relationship between Penang and India. Penang will be the third Malaysian destination in the airline’s network after Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi.
Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO of Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), said: “The introduction of the direct Chennai-Penang flight represents the culmination of years of strategic engagement with Indian airlines and the Indian travel trade. Our focus has always been to create lasting connections with Indian businesses and travellers. This new route will simplify travel and open doors for further collaboration, reinforcing the growing bond between Penang and India.”
Since 2017, PCEB has been dedicated to elevating Penang’s profile in India, beginning with the launch of the Penang Roadshow. This annual event has successfully showcased Penang’s unique blend of culture, business opportunities, and tourism offerings to major cities across India.
The upcoming 2025 roadshow in January to Chennai, Kolkata, New Delhi and Mumbai will be the eighth edition of this initiative, underscoring PCEB’s long-term commitment to the Indian market and its continuous efforts to promote Penang as an attractive destination for both business and leisure.
Arokia Das Anthony, executive director, The Essence of Asia Tours & Travel, told TTGmice: “Incentive operators out of Chennai, Kerala and Tamil Nadu have been asking us about the possibilities of doing incentive trips in Penang.
“The daily direct flights from IndiGo is generating interest from outbound incentive operators from the southern states of India who are looking for new destinations in Malaysia, other than Kuala Lumpur and Genting Highlands.”
With the addition of the Chennai-Penang route, Penang’s network of direct international flights currently totals 19. This expanded connectivity includes direct flights from major cities such as Bangkok, Hong Kong, Medan, Singapore, Jakarta, Surabaya, Banda Aceh, Phuket, Guangzhou, Taipei, Ho Chi Minh City, Xiamen, Dubai, Doha, Shanghai, Shenzhen, as well as charter connections to Chongqing and Kunming.
