FROM next month, LOT Polish Airlines is scheduled to fly in more European tourists to Penang via weekly chartered direct flights.
The flight schedule is expected to be over the winter season, said state executive councillor Wong Hon Wai.
Wong, who oversees the tourism portfolio, said that the charter service, which operates between Warsaw and Penang, will begin on November 5 and cater mainly to travellers from Poland and other parts of Europe seeking warmer destinations during the winter months.
“Many Europeans choose to escape the winter season and spend their holidays in tropical destinations such as Penang. The charter flights operate every week, bringing in a new group of visitors while returning with passengers who have completed their stay,” he said.
According to Wong, the seasonal service typically runs between January and March each year, with tourists staying in Penang from one week to as long as three months.
He said the flights have been well received, with some services carrying more than 100 passengers and occasionally reaching as many as 300 travellers from Europe.
“The arrival of these visitors provides a significant boost to Penang’s tourism and demonstrates the growing appeal of Penang among European holidaymakers,” he said after attending a youth programme at the INTI International College.
Wong encouraged the young to equip themselves with both technical and interpersonal skills to meet the demands of future industries.
He said manufacturing and the services sector remain two of Malaysia’s key economic pillars, with Penang continuing to play an important role as a semiconductor hub in the Asia Pacific.
“For manufacturing, strong skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics are important. At the same time, the service and tourism industries require strong communication and people skills,” he said. - October 3, 2026.
