India’s IndiGo will soon launch a direct Chennai-Penang flight in December 2024.
Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) has announced a new direct flight from Chennai in India to Penang in Malaysia, strengthening ties between the two countries.
The IndiGo flight will launch on 21 December, enhancing PCEB’s ongoing efforts to build greater connectivity and foster closer ties between the two regions, such as the Penang Roadshow, which launched in 2017. The annual event showcases Penang’s blend of culture, business opportunities and tourism offerings to major cities across India.
Penang has spearheaded a drive in recent months to increase the destination’s appeal for global business events, and with the addition of the Chennai-Penang route, the state is positioning itself as a key travel hub in southeast Asia.
RELATED: Penang ups its MICE game with new venues and hotels
Penang now offers 19 direct international flights to cities including Bangkok, Hong Kong, Medan, Singapore, Jakarta, Surabaya, Banda Aceh, Phuket, Guangzhou, Taipei, Ho Chi Minh City, Xiamen, Dubai, Doha, Shanghai and Shenzhen, as well as charter connections to Chongqing and Kunming.
Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO of PCEB said: “The introduction of the direct Chennai-Penang flight represents the culmination of years of strategic engagement. 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.”
YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, added: "This connection between Chennai and Penang bridges two vibrant cultures and opens up avenues for economic and creative growth. With this flight, Penang is closer than ever to our Indian friends, and I am confident it will lead to a strong increase in tourism and business events that will benefit both regions."