Penang to Launch New Direct Haikou Flight in October, Expanding China Connectivity

KUALA LUMPUR, AUGUST 2026 — Penang is set to strengthen its air connectivity with China through a new direct flight between Haikou and Penang, scheduled to begin on October 11, 2026.

State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said Haikou will become the ninth Chinese city to have a scheduled direct air connection with Penang, providing greater opportunities for the state to attract travellers from the Chinese market.

The route will be operated by Hainan Airlines. The inaugural flight, HU477, is scheduled to depart Haikou Meilan International Airport at 5.30pm and arrive at Penang International Airport at 8.45pm on October 11.

The return service, HU478, will leave Penang at 9.45pm and arrive in Haikou at 1am the following day. Flights will operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Wong said the new connection would improve Penang’s accessibility as an international tourism destination while strengthening its existing Chinese visitor market. Haikou, the capital of Hainan Province, had a permanent population of about 3.06 million at the end of 2025, while Hainan Province had approximately 10.55 million residents.

The route is also expected to support cooperation beyond tourism. Penang and Hainan have maintained friendly relations since 2013, while Penang Island and Sanya strengthened ties through a friendly-city memorandum in 2017.

Improved air access could support greater collaboration in business, culture, creative industries, tourism and people-to-people exchanges between the two destinations.

Wong also highlighted potential economic opportunities, noting Hainan’s role as a major free-trade platform in China and Penang’s position as a Malaysian hub for electronics, semiconductors and regional logistics. The direct service could therefore make business travel, industrial cooperation and logistics connectivity more convenient.