AirAsia Launches New Direct Route Between Penang and Phuket, Enhancing its Regional Connectivity and Tourism Growth in Malaysia and Thailand

Published on December 8, 2025

AirAsia Malaysia has officially inaugurated a new direct Penang-Phuket route, further strengthening its ASEAN network and reiterating its commitment to driving regional tourism growth and economic development. Starting December 5, 2025, the new route will offer convenience, flexibility, and more travel options for passengers moving between Malaysia and Thailand and will help support the tourism and medical tourism sectors in both destinations.

Penang is one of Malaysia’s top medical-tourism destinations due to its hospitals and rich cultural heritage, while Phuket is an international tourist destination with its beaches, wellness centers, and lively lifestyle. By connecting these two iconic destinations, AirAsia is creating a seamless travel corridor that caters to both leisure travelers and medical tourists, enhancing cross-border tourism and economic activity between the two countries.

Enhancing Tourism and Economic Activity

The launch of the Penang-Phuket route comes at a crucial time as Penang’s medical-tourism sector continues to thrive, with over 200,000 foreign patients and nearly RM500 million in revenue recorded by August 2025. This growth mirrors broader regional travel trends, including Malaysia’s position as Thailand’s top source of foreign tourists. In 2025, nearly 200,000 guests traveled between Penang and Bangkok alone, signaling a strong and growing demand for direct connections between the two countries.

AirAsia’s decision to introduce this new service will help increase both inbound and outbound tourist traffic, directly benefiting the tourism economy in Penang. By offering direct flights, the airline enhances tourists’ access to Penang’s famous beaches, hawker food, cultural heritage, and medical tourism facilities, while also providing Thai tourists with easier access to Malaysia’s rich cultural and culinary offerings.

Strengthening Regional Connectivity and Tourism Growth

Dato’ Captain Fareh Mazputra, CEO of AirAsia Malaysia, highlighted that the new route supports Malaysia’s tourism goals, particularly as the country prepares for the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign and the Malaysia Year for Medical Tourism 2026. “With Penang as one of AirAsia’s five major hubs in Malaysia, this route will enhance tourism flows, benefiting both local businesses and tourism-related services,” he said.

The addition of the Penang-Phuket service provides Thai travelers with a convenient way to access Penang, while also offering Malaysians and regional visitors from other parts of ASEAN more affordable travel options to Phuket and beyond. This expansion strengthens Penang’s role as a regional tourism hub and supports the state’s efforts to attract more international tourists, contributing to long-term tourism growth.

Economic Impact: Promoting Local Business and Job Creation

The direct flight route will have a positive impact on local businesses in Penang, particularly those involved in tourism services, hospitality, and transportation. Tourism operators in Penang and Phuket are expected to see an increase in demand, particularly from leisure travelers looking to visit both Malaysia and Thailand in one trip. Additionally, the route will encourage business travel, bringing executives, investors, and conference attendees to Penang and Phuket, further stimulating economic activity in both regions.

Increased tourism arrivals are expected to generate higher spending in sectors such as local retail, restaurants, and cultural events, supporting job creation and economic diversification. The collaboration between AirAsia and local tourism stakeholders underscores the growing role of airline partnerships in promoting sustainable economic development through tourism.

Aiming for Sustainable Tourism and Future Growth

The introduction of the Penang-Phuket route is part of AirAsia’s broader commitment to sustainable tourism and eco-friendly travel. As the airline continues to expand its ASEAN network, it aims to provide affordable travel options that promote responsible tourism and encourage more regional travel. With an emphasis on cultural exchange, eco-tourism, and luxury travel, this new route aligns with both Penang’s tourism strategy and Malaysia’s broader Vision 2026, which seeks to develop sustainable tourism across the nation.

Special Launch Offer and Future Impact on Regional Connectivity

In celebration of the launch, AirAsia is offering special promotional fares, starting from RM179 one-way from Penang to Phuket and THB1,690 one-way from Phuket to Penang. The promotion, which runs until December 21, 2025, and is available for travel between March 13 and October 24, 2026, will help attract even more travelers to the new route, contributing to tourism revenue and enhancing tourist activity during peak seasons.

In the long term, the Penang-Phuket route is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing regional connectivity within Southeast Asia, fostering stronger ties between Malaysia and Thailand. As more visitors travel between these two key destinations, tourism infrastructure will continue to improve, creating a stronger, more sustainable tourism sector in both regions.

A New Chapter for Tourism Connectivity and Economic Growth in Malaysia and Thailand

The launch of the Penang-Phuket direct flight now ushers in a new era of tourism connectivity between Malaysia and Thailand, further strengthening the tourism ties between both countries. With its focus on affordable travel, cultural exchange, and sustainable tourism, this route is poised to create lasting economic benefits not only for Penang and Phuket but for the whole of Southeast Asia. This commitment by AirAsia toward expanded regional tourism is part of the broader efforts toward long-term tourism growth, job opportunities, and economic diversification that equally benefit local communities and international visitors. Tourism growth will continue, while this new route will make Penang and Phuket even more attractive destinations to global travelers.

Image Source: AirAsia