AirAsia Malaysia announced the strengthening of its ASEAN network with the launch of a new route connecting Penang to Phuket earlier today, 8th December.
Penang stands out as one of Malaysia’s leading medical-tourism hubs and a key tourism gateway in Southeast Asia, offering world-class hospitals alongside a rich heritage and vibrant food culture while Phuket is globally recognised for its beaches, wellness centres and dynamic lifestyle appeal.
The new direct Penang-Phuket service connects these complementary strengths to create a compelling leisure and medical travel corridor, giving guests greater convenience, flexibility and choice while supporting year-round demand and two-way economic activity.
As AirAsia Malaysia CEO Fareh Mazputra explains: “As we approach Visit Malaysia 2026, we remain committed to supporting the nation’s tourism ambitions by strengthening inbound connectivity to key local destinations. Thailand consistently ranks among Penang’s top five sources of foreign tourists and in 2025 alone we have flown nearly 200,000 guests between Penang and Bangkok. With the launch of the new Penang-Phuket route, both inbound and outbound tourist traffic will increase and AirAsia is further enhancing its role in driving tourism growth from this important market. This is the perfect time for travellers from Penang to enjoy the added convenience of flying directly to Phuket, as well as other popular destinations in Thailand.”
Penang State EXCO for tourism and creative economy Wong Hon Wai added: “AirAsia’s Penang-Phuket service comes at a very timely moment as we head towards Visit Malaysia 2026 and Malaysia Year for Medical Tourism 2026. Strengthening links with regional destinations like Phuket not only makes travel easier, but also helps drive tourism, healthcare and business activities all year round. This new route will bring positive economic impact to Penang and deepen the strong ties between Malaysia and Thailand.”
An increasingly popular destination for medical tourism
Penang’s medical-tourism sector continues to show strong momentum, recording over 200,000 foreign patients and nearly RM500 million in revenue as of August 2025, with international arrivals growing steadily since 2023 led by Indonesia, China and Thailand.
This growth also mirrors broader regional travel patterns, including Malaysia’s position as Thailand’s top source of foreign tourist arrivals with more than four million Malaysians visiting the kingdom as of November this year - further reinforcing the potential and relevance of enhanced connectivity between the two destinations.
With four additional weekly flights between Malaysia and Thailand, the airline continues to expand its second route to Thailand from Penang hub, further enhancing seamless travel and providing more options through its network, which connects to over 130 destinations across Asean and beyond.
As one of AirAsia’s five major hubs in Malaysia, Penang offers direct connections to 12 domestic and international cities including Singapore, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, Medan and Shenzhen.
This expansion likewise strengthens Penang’s role as a key regional hub and supports the state’s efforts to boost tourism and economic activity, while highlighting its famous beaches, hawker cuisine, cultural heritage, medical facilities and vibrant nightlife.
A great deal
With the new Penang-Phuket route, AirAsia Malaysia offers Thai travellers from Phuket and travellers across Asean more convenient, affordable, and seamless travel options.
As part of the launch celebrations, AirAsia is offering special promotional fares from Penang to Phuket starting from just RM179 all-in one-way; flights from Phuket to Penang are also available from THB1,690 all-in one-way.
The promotion is available for booking starting today until 21st December, for travel between 13th March and 24th October 2026, exclusively on the AirAsia MOVE app and airasia.com.
