Penang Airport Handles Nearly Two Million Passengers In Q1 2025, 69.5 Per Cent Surge

GEORGE TOWN, May 24 (Bernama) -- Penang is strengthening its position as a growing regional travel hub, with Penang International Airport (LTAPP) recording nearly two million passenger movements in the first quarter of this year, marking a 69.55 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said during the same period, the international passengers rose by over 80 per cent, while domestic numbers grew by more than 57 per cent.

“Flight frequencies are also rising 20.53 per cent for international flights and 30.28 per cent for domestic routes. Visitor arrivals from international markets have shown strong growth, with China recording a 102.47 per cent increase.

“Meanwhile, arrivals from India recorded a 108.73 per cent rise, while arrivals from Japan increased by 24.7 per cent, followed by the United States at 17.35 per cent and the United Kingdom at 15.82 per cent,” he said at the opening of the Matta Fair Penang 2025 at Setia SPICE Arena, Bayan Lepas here today.

He pointed out that over the past 18 months, Penang has made real progress in strengthening the international air connectivity with 14 new direct international flight routes.

“Direct flights reduce travel time, lower costs, and attract more international visitors. Our hotels are seeing higher occupancy, our food and retail industries are busier, and the overall energy in the city reflects this growth. These are signs of a healthy, active tourism economy,” he said.

Touching on Matta Fair Penang 2025, Wong said an important new feature at this year’s fair is the Domestic Tourism Zone, which is being introduced for the first time in Penang’s edition of Matta Fair. 

He noted that it is a great initiative to help more Malaysians explore the beauty of the country and highlighted that local tourism has great potential and this zone gives it the space and attention it deserves.

The two-day Matta Fair Penang 2025, which kicked off today, features 258 booths representing 90 organisations from various segments of the travel and tourism industry.

Among the participants are 60 tour and travel agencies, one national tourist office, four state government tourist offices, 11 hotels and resorts, one theme park, and one airline.

— BERNAMA