Penang International Airport unaffected by haze, no mass stranding after Jakarta flight cancellations

GEORGE TOWN, Sept 8 — Operations at the Penang International Airport (PIA) have continued as usual despite the recent haze, said state tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai today.

He said the airport management had informed him that the haze in Penang and other parts of Malaysia had not affected aircraft take-offs or landings so far.

“Nevertheless, the state government will continue to closely monitor the situation and maintain communication with the airport and airlines.

“This is to respond to and minimise the impact of haze and unforeseen aviation incidents on visitors to Penang and the tourism industry,” he said in a statement issued today.

Wong said several flights between Penang and Jakarta were recently cancelled after volcanic ash from the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau affected flight operations and led to the suspension of services at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

The affected airlines were AirAsia, TransNusa and Batik Air, all of which operate direct flights between Jakarta and Penang.

He said the airlines had notified affected passengers through email, SMS and other communication channels.

“Based on the latest information available to the airport management, the airlines operating the affected flights had promptly notified the relevant passengers.

“As a result, there has been no large-scale stranding of Indonesian passengers at Penang International Airport,” he said.

Wong held a meeting with newly appointed Penang International Airport senior airport manager Ahmad Fikri Samsudin recently together with representatives from the state government and Penang’s tourism industry.

He said the meeting allowed the state to obtain updates on the airport expansion plan, future management plans and development direction.

“This is important to ensure that the airport’s infrastructure and management planning are well aligned with the Penang state government’s strategy to continuously expand Penang’s international direct flight network.

“This will provide stronger air connectivity to support the future growth of Penang’s tourism industry,” he said.

Wong said preparations were also discussed for two new international routes scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of this year.

Hainan Airlines will launch direct flights between Haikou and Penang on October 11.

Batik Air will begin direct flights between Batam and Penang on October 18.

Wong said international passenger traffic at the PIA had continued to grow as the state expanded direct links with major international cities.

The airport recorded 2,646,500 international passenger movements between January and July this year.

This was an increase of 264,980 passenger movements, or 11.13 per cent, compared to 2,381,520 during the same period last year.

“This growth reflects the continued improvement in Penang’s international air connectivity.

“It further demonstrates that the state government’s efforts to expand international routes and develop new tourism source markets are gradually producing positive results,” Wong said.