Penang International Airport (PEN)
Penang International Airport (IATA: PEN, ICAO: WMKP) is one of Malaysia’s busiest airports, serving as a key aviation hub in the country’s northwest. Located in Bayan Lepas, approximately 14–16 kilometers south of George Town, the airport plays a crucial role in supporting Penang’s status as both a commercial and tourism center.
Airport Overview
Operated by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, Penang International Airport serves millions of passengers each year, offering a full range of modern facilities and services. The airport is well-regarded for its efficiency, strategic location, and convenient transport links, making it a popular choice for both domestic and international travelers.
Key Facts
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Location: Bayan Lepas, Southwest Penang Island, Malaysia
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IATA/ICAO Code: PEN / WMKP
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Operator: Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad
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Terminal Type: Single passenger terminal for domestic and international flights
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Annual Passenger Volume: Over 8 million (pre-pandemic)
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Runway: One asphalt runway (04/22), 3,353 meters in length
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Expansion: Ongoing terminal expansion to increase capacity and enhance passenger experience
Facilities and Services
Penang International Airport offers a comprehensive range of amenities to accommodate the needs of all travelers:
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Check-in counters and self-service kiosks
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Immigration and customs processing
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Baggage handling and lost & found services
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Paid parking facilities
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Currency exchange and ATMs
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Prayer rooms and baby care facilities
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Food courts, cafés, and retail outlets
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Accessibility features for passengers with reduced mobility
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Free Wi-Fi and seating areas
Despite having a single terminal, the airport maintains an efficient flow of operations for both arrivals and departures.
Airlines and Destinations
Penang International Airport is a major hub for both low-cost and full-service airlines, offering connections across Southeast Asia and beyond.
Major Airlines Operating at PEN
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Malaysia Airlines
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AirAsia
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Firefly
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Scoot
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Singapore Airlines
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Batik Air
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Thai AirAsia
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Citilink
Key Destinations
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Domestic: Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching
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International: Singapore, Bangkok, Jakarta, Medan, Doha, Guangzhou, Hong Kong
The airport is especially popular for travelers seeking regional flights with frequent schedules and competitive fares.
Transport from Airport to George Town
Penang International Airport is well-connected to George Town and other parts of Penang via several reliable transportation options:
1. Public Bus (Rapid Penang)
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Routes: 102, 306, 401, and 401E connect the airport to various parts of Penang, including George Town
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Approximate Fare: RM 2–4
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Travel Time: Around 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic
2. Taxi Services
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Available outside the arrivals terminal
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Fixed-rate and metered taxis available
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Fare to George Town: Approximately RM 40–50
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Travel Time: 25–40 minutes
3. Ride-Hailing (Grab)
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Widely available and reliable
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Comparable rates to taxis with app-based convenience
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Ideal for travelers with luggage or arriving late at night
4. Car Rentals
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Several rental car services located within the terminal
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Suitable for independent travelers exploring the island at their own pace
Airport Expansion
To accommodate growing passenger demand, Penang International Airport is undergoing a major expansion project, including:
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Enlargement of the terminal building
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Improved baggage handling and immigration capacity
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Increased commercial and parking space
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New boarding gates and upgraded lounges
The expansion aims to increase the airport's capacity to 12 million passengers annually, supporting Penang's development as a regional air transport hub.
Final Notes
Penang International Airport is a modern and efficient airport that caters to both business and leisure travelers. With its close proximity to George Town, frequent domestic and international connections, and continued investment in infrastructure, the airport is well-positioned to support the region’s growth as a tourism and commercial hub.
