𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘎𝘰 𝘓𝘢𝘶𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘋𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘧𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘊𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘯𝘢𝘪 𝘵𝘰 𝘗𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘨; 𝘚𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘨𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘛𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘉𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘐𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘢 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘦𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘨

Chennai :  Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB) is pleased to announce the launch of IndiGo’s direct flight from Chennai to Penang, with the inaugural flight  scheduled  for  the  21st  of  December  2024.  This  marks  a  significant  step in strengthening the relationship between Penang and India. The new route further cements PCEB’s ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity and foster closer ties between the two regions.

(L to R) Ms.Siti Sarah Binti Ismail, Head of Sales, PCEB; Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO of Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB); Agnel Pinto, EVP-Sales, Indigo Airlines; Srinivasan, Senior Manages-Sales TN, Indigo Airlines

Since 2017, PCEB has been dedicated to elevating Penang’s profile in India, beginning with  the  launch  of  the  Penang  Roadshow.  This  annual  event  has  successfully showcased Penang’s unique blend of culture, business opportunities, and tourism offerings to major cities across India. The upcoming 2025 roadshow will be the eighth edition  of  this  initiative,  underscoring  PCEB’s  long-term  commitment  to  the  Indian market and its continuous efforts to promote Penang as an attractive destination for both leisure and business.

With the addition of the Chennai-Penang route, Penang’s network of direct international flights now totals 19. This expanded connectivity includes direct flights from major cities such as Bangkok, Hong Kong, Medan, Singapore, Jakarta, Surabaya, Banda Aceh, Phuket, Guangzhou, Taipei, Ho Chi Minh City, Xiamen, Dubai, Doha, Shanghai, Shenzhen, as well as charter connections to Chongqing and Kunming. These routes position  Penang  as  a  key  travel  hub  in  Southeast  Asia,  further  enhancing  its accessibility for travelers and businesses alike.

Mr. Ashwin Gunasekeran, CEO of Penang Convention & Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), expressed  his  enthusiasm  about  the  new  flight:  “The  introduction  of  the  direct Chennai-Penang flight represents the culmination of years of strategic engagement. Our focus has always been to create lasting connections with Indian businesses and travelers. This new route will simplify travel and open doors for further collaboration, reinforcing the growing bond between Penang and India.”

YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, emphasized the significance of the new route. "This connection between Chennai and Penang bridges two vibrant cultures and opens up avenues for economic and creative growth," he said. "With this flight, Penang is closer than ever to our Indian friends, and I am confident it will lead to a strong increase in tourism and business events that will benefit both regions."

The  new  direct  flight  from  Chennai  is  poised to strengthen Penang’s tourism and economic  ties  with  India,  offering  greater  convenience  for  travelers  seeking  to experience Penang’s rich heritage, dynamic culture, and thriving business environment. PCEB anticipates that this enhanced connectivity will further fuel the growth of Penang’s business events sector, solidifying the destination’s position as a premier hub for international conferences, exhibitions, and corporate events.

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