Penang: The Penang state government has confirmed that TransNusa Aviation is set to launch a new direct flight route between Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and Penang International Airport, beginning November 24. This development marks TransNusa’s inaugural route to Penang and is strategically aligned with Malaysia’s preparations for Visit Malaysia 2026, demonstrating the state’s commitment to attracting more international travelers.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Wong Hon Wai, chairman of the State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee, emphasized the importance of this new route in strengthening regional air connectivity and fostering closer cultural ties between Penang and Indonesia. The direct flight, coded 8B-633, is scheduled to depart Jakarta at 5.30 am local time and arrive in Penang at 9 am local time. Initially, flights will occur three times a week-on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays-before increasing to a daily service in December 2025. The return flight, 8B-632, will leave Penang at 9.30 am and reach Jakarta at 10.55 am, following the same frequency schedule.

Wong further highlighted that the timing of this route launch is opportune, given Penang’s role in the upcoming Visit Malaysia 2026 and the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026. He noted that Penang is Malaysia’s leading destination for medical tourism, contributing significantly to the nation’s healthcare-travel revenue. Indonesia remains Malaysia’s largest source market for medical tourism, contributing a substantial portion of the national medical tourism revenue.

Wong also pointed out that Indonesia has long been Penang’s top international arrival market. From January to September 2025, Penang saw 284,364 Indonesian visitors via international flights, marking a 2.5 percent increase compared to the same period last year. In this context, the launch of TransNusa’s direct Jakarta-Penang route is seen as a timely response to market demand.