GEORGE TOWN; The launch of the direct flight between Chennai and Penang will open up new opportunities for Penang's tourism industry, thus enhancing the sector's resilience against risks and boosting the state's competitiveness in the global tourism market.

Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said that according to the Times of India, Chennai's population reached 12.053 million in October 2024, making it the fifth most populous city in India while Tamil Nadu, with a population of around 78 million, is one of India's most densely populated states.

He said this immense population base represents boundless potential while further enhancing Penang's presence and influence in the international tourism landscape.

"The introduction of this route will significantly enhance travel convenience between Chennai and Penang, enabling Penang to directly tap into India's rapidly expanding tourism market," he told a press conference for the flight announcement here today.

Wong said tourist arrivals from India is not among the top 10 currently, but the state government is confident that with the establishment of this direct flight, inbound tourists from India would be among the top 10 by next year.

Wong said flight tickets for daily direct flights between Chennai and Penang via IndiGo Airlines are now officially on sale, with the inaugural flight scheduled for Dec 21.

Flight 6E1045 from Chennai to Penang will depart at 2.15 am Chennai time and arrive in Penang at 8.30 am local time, while Flight 6E1046 from Penang to Chennai will depart at 9.30 am local time, arriving in Chennai at 10.35 am.