All cheers as Penang welcomes first international flight after two years

GEORGE TOWN – Penang welcomed its first international flight from Singapore today after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Scoot flight TR498 saw 172 people disembarking at Penang International Airport at 10.30am amid scenes of relief and joy among travellers and local tourism authorities.

Among the passengers was Singaporean Joanne Seem, 24, who has been pining to come since two years ago.

She was a frequent flyer who visited almost every month before the international borders were shut due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

She expressed great relief to be here, as she has many relatives in Malaysia.

Another passenger, Tan Lay Kim, a Malaysian working in the island republic, also expressed much relief, as she had encountered hardship in travelling back six months ago when there was a death in the family.

“That time, it was so difficult to come in, and there were many procedures, but now it is much easier,” said Tan, 46.

Penang exco for tourism and creative economy Yeoh Soon Hin, who was on hand to welcome them, said that some 1,000 international tourists are expected to come to Penang today as the country opens its borders.

“We will be receiving a total of nine international flights today,” he said.

“Eight will be from Singapore, operated by Jetstar, Air Asia, Malaysia Airlines and Scoot. 

“One will be from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, operated by AirAsia,” he told reporters at Penang International Airport.

He described the response in terms of volume of passengers as good, considering that it is only the first day. More flights from other countries, including Thailand, will resume this month as well. 

He expressed hope that this marks the rejuvenation of the tourism industry after nearly two years of travel restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, adding that the state will work closely with Penang International Airport, the Tourism and Culture Ministry, and Tourism Malaysia.

Tourism Malaysia is now reviving its global advertising campaign to boost inbound tourism even as domestic tourism continues to drive the industry’s recovery. – The Vibes, April 1, 2022