Direct Chongqing-Penang Flights To Commence April 8 - Exco

GEORGE TOWN, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- Chongqing Airlines will operate direct flights from Chongqing to Penang beginning April 8, significantly strengthening air connectivity between Penang and Western China, said Penang state executive councillor Wong Hon Wai.

Flight OQ2195 will depart Chongqing at 7.50 pm and arrive at Penang International Airport at 12.30 am the following day, he said in a statement today.

The service will operate four times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Ticket sales are expected to open in the near future.

Wong said Penang Global Tourism and Chongqing Airlines signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) in Chongqing yesterday to formalise their strategic partnership in the aviation and tourism sectors.

He said Penang has become the first state in Malaysia to establish an official partnership with Chongqing Airlines, marking a critical milestone in Penang’s strategy to expand the China market and further strengthen tourism exchanges between Malaysia and China.

He noted that the scheduled direct flights were a result of his leading a state government delegation to Chongqing on a tourism promotion programme in September 2024.

"At that time, charter flights operated by Firefly between Chongqing and Penang were also introduced,” said Wong, who is in charge of tourism and creative economy.

He said that as a key aviation hub in Western China, Chongqing has a large population base of 31.9 million and a mature outbound travel market.

“By taking the lead in partnering with Chongqing Airlines, Penang is proactively responding to national tourism priorities, contributing to the growth of international arrivals while strengthening Penang’s visibility in the global tourism market,” he said.

-- BERNAMA