GEORGE TOWN: Penang recorded 6,979,748 passenger arrivals last year, up 64.5 per cent from 4,242,997 in 2022.
The surge in passenger movement indicates a significant uptick in overall air travel, suggesting increased demand for international and domestic flights and potentially reflecting positive economic and global travel trends.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the number of international flights was at 259 weekly in December, compared to 210 in December 2022.
"Despite the delayed reopening of some top arrival countries such as China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Japan, during the last quarter of 2022, Penang's tourism bounced back and exceeded expectations.
"Statistics suggests a robust rebound and growth in international airport arrivals and passenger movement, signalling a trajectory in the aviation sector.
"The increased numbers demonstrate resilience and recovery in the face of challenges, emphasising the importance of the aviation industry in fostering global connectivity and economic rejuvenation," he said today.
Wong said comparing the figures from 2019 to 2023 provides insights into the recovery progress of passenger movement after the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said, in 2019, prior to the pandemic, the total passenger movement stood at 8,294,943.
"By 2023, despite the disruptions caused by events like the global pandemic, the number had recovered impressively to 6,979,748.
"This reflects an impressive recovery rate of 84.14 per cent, signifying a substantial rebound in international and domestic air travel following the challenges faced in 2020 and 2021.
"The number of international flights have achieved 259 weekly flights in December 2023 compare to 284 weekly flights in November 2019, generating a recovery of 91.20 per cent.
"The tourism industry in Penang has long been a crucial economic driver for the state, creating jobs and fostering economic growth. The recent surge in international arrivals is a testament to the industry's ability to respond quickly to changing market conditions while maintaining its appeal to travellers," he added.
In 2023, Penang resumed flights with certain destinations, including Guangzhou through China Southern Airlines, Xiamen via Xiamen Airlines, Doha through Qatar Airways, Bangkok and Phuket by Firefly, Banda Acheh by Firefly and Batik Air and finally, Hong Kong via Air Asia.
Wong said the addition of new international destinations like the upcoming India, Shanghai, and Dubai this year reflected the growing connectivity and appeal of Penang as a global travel hub.
He said the expansion could bring various benefits to the region, including increased tourism, business opportunities and cultural exchange.
"It also demonstrates Penang's strategic importance in the international aviation network.
"The new flight routes can potentially boost economic activities, foster international relations and enrich the local community with diverse experiences from these vibrant cities," he said.
At present, there are 13 international cities with direct flights to Penang.
They include Singapore, Bangkok, Phuket, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Hong Kong, Medan, Jakarta, Surabaya, Banda Aceh, Taipei, Ho Chi Minh City and Doha.
The top 10 international arrival in 2023 for Penang International Airport is Indonesia, followed by Singapore, China, Taiwan, Thailand, USA, Australia, UK, Japan and other Commonwealth countries.
The month of March and December 2023 recorded the highest number of movement of passengers at 790,486 (March) and 666,742 (December).
Meanwhile, Wong said the Penang cruise tourism also saw a remarkable recovery.