Penang: TransNusa Aviation will increase its Jakarta-Penang flight frequency to daily beginning next month, signalling the airline's confidence in Penang as a destination for tourism, business and medical travel. State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai stated that the Jakarta-Penang route currently operates three times a week - on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays - with the inaugural flight launched today.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this is TransNusa's first route to Penang. It not only expands the state's international air connectivity but also strengthens cultural exchange, economic ties, and the longstanding friendship between Penang and Indonesia. Wong expressed hope that the state government could build strong, long-term cooperation with TransNusa, adding that the opening of this route aligns with the national tourism agenda.

Earlier, TransNusa flight 8B-633 departed Jakarta at 5.30 am local time from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and arrived at Penang International Airport at 8.20 am. Wong noted that the introduction of the new Jakarta-Penang route was timely, especially with next year designated as the Malaysian Medical Tourism Year and Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY2026).

Indonesia currently accounts for nearly 90 per cent of Penang's medical tourism market. From January to September 2025, Penang received 284,364 visitors from Indonesia, marking an increase of 12.3 per cent compared to the corresponding period in 2023. Direct air links between Indonesia and Penang currently connect four cities: Medan, Jakarta, Surabaya, and Banda Aceh.