Thailand

AirAsia Penang Phuket flight news: The Malaysian carrier announced the strengthening of its Asean network with the launch of a new route connecting Phuket to Penang. The inaugural flight arrived in Penang on 13 March.

Penang stands out as one of Malaysia’s leading medical-tourism hubs and a key tourism gateway in Southeast Asia, offering world-class hospitals alongside a rich heritage and vibrant food culture. Phuket, meanwhile, is globally recognised for its beaches, wellness centres and dynamic lifestyle appeal. A direct Penang–Phuket service connects these complementary strengths to create a compelling leisure and medical travel corridor, giving guests greater convenience, flexibility and choice while supporting year-round demand and two-way economic activity.

Penang’s medical-tourism sector continues to show strong momentum, recording over 200,000 foreign patients and nearly RM500 million in revenue as of August 2025, with international arrivals growing steadily since 2023 led by Indonesia, China and Thailand. This growth also mirrors broader regional travel patterns, including Malaysia’s position as Thailand’s top source of foreign tourist arrivals with more than four million Malaysians visiting the kingdom as of November this year – further reinforcing the potential and relevance of enhanced connectivity between the two destinations.

The Phuket–Penang service, operated under flight number AK1821, will initially run four times weekly. Flights departing Phuket on Mondays and Sundays take off at 1.50pm local time and arrive in Penang at 3.55pm. On Wednesdays and Fridays, flights depart Phuket at 1.10pm and arrive in Penang at 3.15pm.

For the return leg, flight AK1820 departs PIA at 1.20pm on Mondays and Sundays, arriving in Phuket at 1.25pm local time. On Wednesdays and Fridays, flights depart Penang at 12.35pm and arrive in Phuket at 12.40pm local time.

State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai described the launch as another important step in strengthening regional connectivity.

“The introduction of the direct flight between Phuket and Penang brings two of Southeast Asia’s most popular island destinations closer together.

“It significantly enhances travel convenience between the two cities while injecting new momentum into regional tourism exchanges.

“The launch of this route not only aligns with the broader recovery of regional tourism but also further reinforces Penang’s position as an important gateway for tourism in the region,” he said.
Wong noted that AirAsia has long been a key partner in strengthening Penang’s aviation network.
The launch of the Phuket–Penang route demonstrates the airline’s continued commitment to expanding its presence in Penang while contributing to increased international visitor arrivals and supporting the sustained growth of the state’s tourism industry,” he added.

He also pointed out that AirAsia currently operates the largest number of direct domestic and international routes from PIA, connecting Penang with major cities across the region and playing a pivotal role in enhancing the state’s connectivity and regional integration.

He added that for domestic routes, AirAsia operates flights connecting Penang with Johor Bahru (15 flights weekly), Kota Kinabalu (14), Kuala Lumpur International Airport (76), Kuching (14), and Langkawi (24), amounting to a total of 143 weekly domestic flights, which accounts for approximately 48% of all domestic flights at PIA.

“This clearly demonstrates the significant role AirAsia plays in Penang’s aviation ecosystem. Its extensive route network not only provides Penang with strong air connectivity but also supports the state’s efforts to expand its tourism markets and strengthen international accessibility,” Wong said.

With four weekly flights between Malaysia and Thailand, the airline continues to expand its second route to Thailand from Penang hub, further enhancing seamless travel and providing more options through its network, which connects to over 130 destinations across Asean and beyond.

Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra, CEO of AirAsia Malaysia, said: “As we approach Visit Malaysia 2026, we remain committed to supporting the nation’s tourism ambitions by strengthening inbound connectivity to key local destinations. Thailand consistently ranks among Penang’s top five sources of foreign tourists and in 2025 alone we have flown nearly 200,000 guests between Penang and Bangkok. With the launch of the new Penang–Phuket route, both inbound and outbound tourist traffic will increase and AirAsia is further enhancing its role in driving tourism growth from this important market.”

As one of AirAsia’s five major hubs in Malaysia, Penang offers direct connections to 12 domestic and international cities including Singapore, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, Medan and Shenzhen. With the new Penang–Phuket route, we are offering Thai travellers from Phuket and travellers across Asean more convenient, affordable, and seamless travel options. This expansion strengthens Penang’s role as a key regional hub and supports the state’s efforts to boost tourism and economic activity, while highlighting its famous beaches, hawker cuisine, cultural heritage, medical facilities and vibrant nightlife.

As part of the launch celebrations, AirAsia is offering special promotional fares from Penang to Phuket starting from just THB 1,690 all in one-way*. Flights from Phuket to Penang are also available from THB 1,690 all in one-way*. The promotion is available for booking starting today until 21 December 2025, for travel between 13 March and 24 October 2026, exclusively on the AirAsia MOVE app and airasia.com.

*All-in fares are quoted for one-way travel only, including passenger service charge, regulatory service charges, fuel surcharges and other applicable fees. Terms and conditions apply.

Sources: Buletin Mutiara, AirAsia
Photos: YB Wong Hon Wai