Penang International Airport

Penang International Airport is the welcoming aerial gateway to the "Pearl of the Orient," opening the way for tourists to the gastronomic and cultural treasures of Malaysia. Located in the southern part of the island, in the Bayan Lepas area, the airport is distinguished by its compactness and lack of the hustle and bustle typical of huge metropolises. Here, intuitive navigation allows you to go through all formalities in a matter of minutes, so you can head towards the famous street art of George Town and the beaches of Batu Ferringhi as soon as possible. The atmosphere of resort relaxation is felt right in the terminal, setting travellers up for a pleasant holiday from their very first steps on Penang soil.

Airport Features and Advantages

Penang Airport, despite its relatively small size, is one of the busiest in the country and plays a key role in the region's tourism life. Its main advantage is efficiency and convenience: everything you need is within walking distance, and the single terminal eliminates confusion with transfers.

Key amenities for passengers:

• Transport Accessibility: The airport is excellently connected to the city by the Rapid Penang bus network. Routes 401, 401E, and 102 depart directly from the terminal, offering a budget-friendly way to get to the centre of George Town or the resort areas.
• Comfort and Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, charging stations for gadgets are provided, and for those who value privacy, the doors of the Plaza Premium Lounge are open.
• Gastronomy: Even if you didn't manage to try all the local delicacies in the city, there are cafes in the airport serving famous Penang dishes, allowing you to enjoy the flavours of Malaysia before departure.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Penang International Airport (PEN).

• Official Website: Most questions, including flight schedules, services, and the latest news, can be found on the official website of the airport operator, Malaysia Airports: www.malaysiaairports.com.my.
• Information Service Phone: For immediate information, you can call: +60 4 643 4411.
• Airport Address: Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Pulau Pinang, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
• Email: A direct email address for general inquiries is usually not published. It is recommended to use the feedback form on the official website to contact the airport administration.
• Social Media: Follow news and updates on the official Malaysia Airports pages on popular social networks such as Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
• Lost Luggage Information: In case of lost luggage, you should first contact your airline's representative office. If your belongings were lost within the terminal, contact the airport's Lost & Found service via the general information phone number.
• Customer Support Contacts: To resolve most issues related to your stay at the airport, you can contact the main information service phone number.

Getting to Penang International Airport (PEN) from George Town or other areas of the island is quite simple thanks to several convenient transport options. The choice depends on your budget, the amount of luggage, and the time you have available. The main methods are public bus, taxi or ride-hailing service, and car rental.

The most economical way is to use Rapid Penang buses. Routes 401, 401E, and 102 directly connect the city centre, including the Weld Quay and KOMTAR bus terminals, with the airport. The trip will cost just a few ringgits, but it is worth noting that it may take over an hour, especially considering stops and traffic conditions. This option is ideal for travellers with light luggage and without strict time constraints.

For greater comfort and speed, taxis or the popular ride-hailing service in Malaysia, Grab, are best. Using the Grab app allows you to know the cost of the trip in advance, which usually ranges from 30 to 50 ringgits depending on demand and time of day. The journey from the centre of George Town to the airport takes approximately 30-45 minutes without traffic jams. The airport also operates a taxi system with prepaid coupons, which eliminates the need to haggle with the driver.

If you prefer complete freedom of movement, you can use a rental car. Many international and local rental companies have their counters right in the arrival terminal, making it easy to pick up or drop off a car. For those arriving at the airport in their own or rented vehicle, spacious parking with zones for short-term and long-term parking is provided.

Important tip: Penang Island is known for its heavy traffic, especially during morning and evening rush hours (approximately from 7:30 to 9:30 and from 17:00 to 19:30). Always allow extra time for the journey to the airport to avoid missing your flight. For international departures, it is recommended to leave at least 3-4 hours before departure.

Penang International Airport (PEN) is distinguished by its compact and well-thought-out structure, making it very convenient for travellers. Orienting yourself here is quite simple, even if you are visiting for the first time.

The airport operates one main terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. This significantly simplifies navigation, as you do not have to move between different buildings. All key zones — from check-in to baggage claim — are under one roof.

The terminal layout is intuitive and divided into levels:

• Ground Floor: This is the arrivals zone. Passengers from all flights arrive here. Located here are immigration control counters for international passengers, baggage claim belts, and the customs area. Car rental offices, currency exchange points, and taxi counters are also located on this level.
• Mezzanine Level: Airline offices and some retail outlets are located here.
• Departure Level (Level 3): This is the departure zone. Here you will find flight check-in counters, self-check-in kiosks, and baggage drop-off points. After check-in, passengers pass through security and passport control (for international flights), after which they enter the secure area with Duty Free shops, cafes, and boarding gates.

The time required to complete all formalities is usually short thanks to the efficient work of airport services. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive in advance: 2.5-3 hours before an international flight and 1.5-2 hours before a domestic one. During peak load periods, for example, on public holidays or in the morning hours, queues for security and check-in may be longer, so it is worth allowing extra time.

For navigation, simply follow the numerous signs in English and Malay. A key tip: remember that arrivals are at the bottom, and departures are at the top. This simple logic will help you orient yourself quickly. If you have any questions, you can always contact the staff at the information desks, which are located in both the departure and arrival halls.

The history of Penang International Airport (PEN) dates back to 1935, when it was opened under the name Bayan Lepas Aerodrome. This makes it one of the oldest airports in Malaysia. Originally built for the needs of the British colonial administration, it played an important role in the development of air travel on the Malay Peninsula.

During World War II, the aerodrome had strategic importance and was used by various military forces. After the war, it returned to civil aviation, and its development proceeded rapidly alongside the economic growth of the entire region. A key stage of modernisation occurred in the 1970s, when, in response to the growing tourist flow and the advent of jet liners, a decision was made to build a new, more modern terminal. This terminal was officially opened in 1979, and it was then that the airport received its modern name — Penang International Airport.

One of the most notable events in the airport's history occurred in 1985, when the supersonic passenger aircraft Concorde landed here as part of a British Airways world tour. This visit became a symbol of Penang's status as an important international destination. To cope with the constantly growing number of passengers, another large-scale reconstruction was carried out between 2010 and 2013, which allowed increasing the capacity to 6.5 million people per year and updating the infrastructure to modern standards.

Today, the airport in George Town is not only an important hub for tourists but also one of the largest in the country in terms of cargo volume, largely due to its proximity to the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone — the heart of the electronics industry in Malaysia.

Penang International Airport (PEN) offers passengers a wide range of services and amenities to make waiting for a flight as comfortable as possible. In the terminal, you will find numerous restaurants and cafes where you can try both local Malaysian dishes and familiar international snacks. Duty-free shops offer a standard range of perfumes, cosmetics, and tobacco products, while souvenir shops allow you to purchase memorable gifts.

For those who value enhanced comfort or need a quiet environment for work, business lounges operate at the airport. They offer comfortable armchairs, snacks, beverages, and high-speed internet. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous charging stations for gadgets will allow you to always stay connected. If you need to resolve business matters, a business centre and meeting rooms are at your service.

Financial matters are easily resolved at the airport: bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points operate here, where you can exchange money upon arrival or before departure. In case of unforeseen health situations, there is a medical centre in the terminal ready to provide first aid.

Penang Airport is well-equipped for travellers with special needs. For passengers with children, there are baby care rooms where you can feed and change a baby in a quiet environment. Passengers with disabilities are provided with all necessary assistance, and the terminal infrastructure, including ramps and specially equipped toilets, ensures a barrier-free environment. For those with an early departure or a long layover, several hotels offering comfortable accommodation are located near the airport.

Penang International Airport (PEN) offers travellers a decent selection of establishments where you can have a snack before departure or a full meal. Here, both popular international chains and cafes with authentic Malaysian cuisine are represented, allowing you to experience the gastronomic diversity of the island even while waiting for a flight.

The main part of the restaurants and food courts is located before security control (landside), in the public part of the terminal. This is an ideal place if you have time before check-in or are seeing someone off or meeting them. Here you will find a food court where you can try famous dishes of George Town, such as char kway teow (stir-fried rice noodles) or nasi lemak (rice cooked in coconut milk with sides) at very affordable prices. Popular fast-food chains, such as McDonald's and KFC, and coffee shops like Starbucks also operate in this zone.

After passing security control (airside), in the departure zone, the choice is slightly more modest but sufficient for a comfortable wait for boarding. Several cafes are at your service, such as The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, where you can have coffee with fresh pastries, as well as small kiosks offering sandwiches, snacks, and beverages. Prices here are generally slightly higher than in the public zone.

regarding dietary preferences, in Malaysia, the majority of food establishments are Halal certified, and the airport is no exception. Vegetarians will find it easy to find suitable dishes in the food court (many Asian noodle or rice dishes can be ordered without meat) or in international chains. Gluten-free options may be more difficult to find, so for strict diets, it is recommended to carry a supply of snacks.

Opening hours of establishments vary: large fast-food chains may operate around the clock or from early morning until late at night, while the food court and cafes in the departure zone usually adjust to the flight schedule. For a quick snack, coffee shops and kiosks in the departure zone are ideal, and for a full and inexpensive lunch with local flavour, it is best to head to the food court in the general area before passing passport control.

To ensure your journey through Penang International Airport goes smoothly and without unnecessary stress, use these useful tips. This airport serves the popular tourist city of George Town and is an important transport hub in Malaysia.

Arrival time at the airport: It is recommended to arrive at the airport 2.5–3 hours before the departure of international flights and 1.5–2 hours before domestic ones. This will give you a sufficient buffer of time to go through check-in, baggage drop, and security control, especially during morning and evening peak hours.

Check-in and security: To save time, complete online check-in for your flight on your airline's website. If you are travelling with hand luggage only, this will allow you to head straight to the security screening area. The screening procedure is standard: be prepared to take laptops, tablets, and liquids out of your bag into a separate tray.

Seat selection on the plane: When departing from Penang or landing on the island, beautiful views of the coast and the famous Penang Bridge may open up from the window. If the view is important to you, choose a window seat. If comfort and the ability to stretch your legs are a priority, an aisle seat is better suited.

Hand luggage rules: Remember the international rule for carrying liquids: they must all be in containers with a volume of no more than 100 ml and packed in one transparent bag. It is prohibited to take sharp objects and flammable substances in hand luggage. Make sure to carry power banks and spare lithium batteries only in hand luggage, and not in checked baggage.

For transit passengers: Penang Airport is quite compact, making transfers convenient. Follow the "Transit"/"Transfer" signs. If you are flying with the same airline or partner airlines, your luggage will most likely be checked through to your final destination. Always verify this detail at the check-in counter.

Customs control: When entering Malaysia, have your passport and boarding pass ready. The country's customs regulations are strict regarding the import of narcotics, weapons, and certain other goods. If you are carrying something subject to declaration, use the "Red Channel".

Saving time and money: To avoid spending extra money on water, bring an empty bottle and fill it at the drinking fountains after passing security control. Food prices at the airport are higher than in the city, so you can have a snack beforehand. For trips to/from the airport, it is often more cost-effective to use mobile apps for ordering taxis (for example, Grab).

In case of flight delay: If your flight is delayed, follow updates on the information boards and in the airline's app. Contact your carrier's counter to find out about the possibility of receiving meal vouchers. The airport has shops, cafes, and paid business lounges where you can comfortably spend time while waiting for departure.