Penang’s status as Malaysia’s northern getaway received a major boost today with Batik Air launching two new international routes from Penang International Airport (PEN), direct flights to Singapore (SIN) and Kualanamu, Medan (KNO). the expansion marks a significant step in enhancing regional connectivity and positioning Penang for strong tourism growth leading up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and Malaysia Medical Tourism Year 2026.
In a statement, Batik Air highlighted Singapore’s continued dominance as Malaysia’s largest international visitor sources, with 14 million arrivals recorded between January and August this year, and 18.1% increase from the same period in 2023.
A Boost for Tourism, Business Travel, and Medical Tourism
“The addition of the Penang-Singapore route meets strong demand for short-haul leisure trips, weekend getaways, and business travel, offering Singaporeans seamless access to Penang’s cultural heritage, iconic food scene and vibrant tourism offerings.”
Meanwhile, the Penang-Medan service aims to meet rising demand from Indonesian travellers seeking medical and wellness treatment on the island. The route also enhances leisure travel opportunities, linking Medan residents to Penang’s northern corridor attractions.
A Strategic Step for Batik Air’s Northern Hub Vision
Batik Air CEO Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy emphasised that Penang has long served as strategic base for the airline.
“Alongside our existing services to Kuala Lumpur (KLIA and SZB) and Jakarta (CGK), these new routes to Singapore and Medan strengthen the city’s role as a northern hub, giving travellers direct access to key regional markets.
He added that the expansion is part of Batik Air’s broader plan to develop a future-ready route network that supports tourism, business, and medical travel. With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 approaching, these connections will help welcome more visitors to the region and showcase all that Penang and northern Malaysia have to offer.
Penang Government: Confidence in the State’s Growing Role
Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai welcomed Batik Air’s move, saying it reflects strong confidence in Penang as the premier northern getaway.
“The launch of new connections to Singapore and Medan strengthens Penang’s role as a strategic hub for tourism, business travel and medical tourism”, he said.
He added that the state is committed to working with airline partners to create seamless travel experiences and elevate Penang’s tourism ecosystem, especially as the country prepares for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
Tourism Malaysia: A Major Step Toward 47 Million Arrivals
Tourism Malaysia deputy director general (Promotion II) Samuel Lee said the new routes will significantly raise Malaysia’s international visibility.
“These connections are expected to contribute significantly to the Visit Malaysia 2026 target of 47 million international arrivals,” he said.
Lee noted that Penang’s rich colonial heritage, natural landscapes, adventure parks and world-renowned cuisine offer visitor a deeply enriching travel experience. With these new services, Batik Air is helping positioning Penang as one of Southeast Asia’s most accessible and compelling travel destinations, and setting the stage for a dynamic lift in regional tourism over the next two years.
Sources: MalayMail
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