AirAsia strengthens Asean connectivity with new Phuket-Penang Route
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AirAsia Malaysia (flight code AK) today announced the strengthening of its Asean network with the launch of a new route connecting Phuket to Penang.
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.
“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*.”
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 the website.
Questions & Answers
Q.What specifically attracts visitors to Penang and Phuket, according to the article?
What specifically attracts visitors to Penang and Phuket, according to the article?
Penang is known for its medical-tourism hubs, rich heritage, and vibrant food culture. Phuket is globally recognised for its beaches, wellness centres, and dynamic lifestyle appeal.
Q.What is the current performance of Penang's medical-tourism sector?
What is the current performance of Penang's medical-tourism sector?
As of August 2025, Penang's medical-tourism sector recorded over 200,000 foreign patients and nearly RM500 million in revenue. International arrivals have grown steadily since 2023.
Q.What is the flight frequency for the new Penang-Phuket route?
What is the flight frequency for the new Penang-Phuket route?
The article states that the airline operates four weekly flights between Malaysia and Thailand. However, it does not specify the exact frequency for this new Penang-Phuket route.
Q.Which countries are leading the growth in international arrivals to Penang?
Which countries are leading the growth in international arrivals to Penang?
Indonesia, China, and Thailand are identified as the countries leading the growth in international arrivals to Penang. This mirrors broader regional travel patterns.
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