THE highly anticipated Penang-Chennai direct flight resumed today, marking a significant milestone as IndiGo’s inaugural service touched down at the Penang International Airport (PIA).
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai described the event as a historic moment and a celebration for Penang.
“The successful establishment of this direct route is the result of collaborative efforts involving Tourism Malaysia, IndiGo, PIA, the Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), and other stakeholders,” said Wong, who was at the airport to welcome the arrival of IndiGo’s passengers and crew when they landed at around 8.08am.
He highlighted the groundwork laid earlier this year during his visits to four Indian cities, namely Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, and Kochi, where he promoted Penang’s tourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) resources.
“In Chennai, I met with Mr K. Ramachandran, the then Tamil Nadu State Tourism Minister, to discuss potential collaboration in tourism. In New Delhi, I had the opportunity to explore the possibility of a direct flight with IndiGo Airlines. Today, as the Chennai-Penang route takes off, all the hard work and effort have paid off,” he said.
Wong noted the deep cultural ties between Penang and Chennai, symbolised by Madras Lane in Penang, named after Chennai’s former name.
“The Indian community in Penang shares strong cultural and heritage links with Chennai. Festivals like Ponggal and Thaipusam celebrated in Penang resonate with traditions in Chennai. I look forward to more opportunities arising from this direct flight,” he said.
He also shared the Federal Government’s announcement extending visa exemptions for Indian nationals until December 31, 2026, expressing hope for similar privileges for Malaysian tourists visiting India.
Wong also said that the opening of this flight coincides with the 11th Annual Global Organisation of Tamil Origin Meet (GOTO) in Penang, happening from Jan 4 to 5 next year.
This event will attract around 1,000 Tamilians over 40 countries worldwide expected to attend, the event’s focus is to celebrate the shared heritage through various programmes and discussions.
The IndiGo flight (6E1045) from Chennai International Airport departs at 2.15am (local time) and arrives at PIA at 8.08am (local time). The return flight (6E1046) departs Penang at 9.30am and lands in Chennai at 10.35am (local time). This daily service will provide seamless connectivity between the two cities.
As of November 2024, Malaysia had welcomed over 1.01 million Indian visitors, a 47% increase from 2019 and a 71.7% growth from the previous year.
PCEB chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekaran said the Penang-Chennai flight opens new opportunities for tourism, business, and cultural exchange.
“The Penang-Chennai flight is a three-and-a-half-hour journey.
“I was just told that one of the passengers in a wheelchair, who just landed, had been waiting for this moment for 15 years. A great job to everyone involved,” Ashwin said.
He also announced the 8th edition of the Penang Roadshow to India, scheduled from Jan 13 to 20, 2025, covering Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai. Registration is now open for exhibitors across Malaysia.
IndiGo Tamilnadu senior manager sales Srinivasan Jayaseelan thanked the state government for supporting the launch of the route, noting the aircraft’s capacity of 180 passengers.
Tourism Malaysia Director-General Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, who was present, highlighted the potential for Penang to explore education tourism opportunities in India.
Pictures during the event :-
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Nuratikah Rahmat