By Chan Wei Chao (REN 39846), Team Leader, Bricksmen Team · IQI Realty Sdn. Bhd. · Updated 28 October 2026
Penang International Airport (PIA) handled about 8.31 million passengers in 2025, up 11.25% from 7.47 million in 2024, according to state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai. The growth has carried on into 2026: international passenger movements rose another 11.13% in the first seven months of the year.
With traffic already well above the terminal’s design capacity of 6.5 million a year, here are the latest numbers, the new routes, what is being done to ease the crowds, and what it means for Airbnb and short-stay investors.
Penang airport traffic at a glance
| Measure | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Passengers in 2025 | About 8.31 million (2024: 7.47 million), up 11.25% | Wong Hon Wai, February and March 2026 |
| Passengers in December 2025 | About 772,000, up 12.2% year on year | Malaysia Airports, January 2026 |
| Average per day | About 22,000 passenger movements (about 10,000 domestic and 12,000 international) | Wong Hon Wai, March 2026 |
| International flights per week | 325 in December 2025, up from 302 in 2024 (+7.6%) and 259 in 2023 | Wong Hon Wai, February 2026 |
| International passengers, January–July 2026 | 2,646,500, up 11.13% from 2,381,520 a year earlier | Wong Hon Wai, September 2026 |
| Design capacity today | 6.5 million passengers a year | Penang state government |
| Capacity after expansion | 12 million passengers a year, targeted for 2028 | Penang state government, July 2026 |
New routes in 2026
- Haikou (Hainan, China): Hainan Airlines started a direct Haikou–Penang service on 11 October 2026.
- Batam (Indonesia): Batik Air started a direct Batam–Penang service on 18 October 2026.
More international flights bring more tourists, business travellers and medical-tourism patients to Penang, which supports hotels, short-stay rentals and jobs around the airport.
Easing the queues: autogates and expansion
- Autogates: a new automated clearance system opened before Chinese New Year 2026, with 5 gates at departures and 6 at arrivals. The state plans to increase this to 12 gates each in 2026.
- Airport expansion: Malaysia Airports is expanding the terminal and apron to handle 12 million passengers a year by 2028. The first work package was completed in July 2026 and airside works were about 70% done. Read our full update on the Penang airport expansion.
- LRT link: the planned Mutiara Line will have a Penang International Airport station. See our Penang LRT route map.
What it means for Airbnb and short-stay investors
More flights mean more tourists, business travellers and medical-tourism patients needing somewhere to stay. For investors, the rising arrivals add to demand for short-stay units in George Town, Gelugor and Tanjung Tokong, where most visitors want to be.
Before you buy for Airbnb, check the rules. On Penang Island, the city council (MBPP) does not allow short-term rentals in residential-title condominiums. It may consider commercial-title serviced apartments, SOHO units and individual-title landed homes in permitted zones, with planning approval. From 1 January 2027, the yearly licence and accommodation fees for a one-room unit fall from about RM2,800 to about RM900. Read the details in our Penang short-term rental rules and fees guide.
Serviced suites to consider for short-stay rental
| Project | Area | Indicative price | Why it suits short stays | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G’Vinton | George Town · Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah | RM560,500–RM1,931,000 | Commercial title under HDA; 387 sq ft studios, two-bedroom suites and duplexes, offered fully furnished or semi-fitted | 2028 |
| Scott @ Logan | George Town · Logan Road | RM496,800–RM1,664,800 | Commercial title under HDA; fully furnished suites from 338 sq ft, near Loh Guan Lye Specialists Centre for medical-tourism stays | 2028 |
| Keeperz Suites | Gelugor · The Light Waterfront | From RM820,100 | Compact 484 sq ft studios and 581 sq ft dual-key suites, planned for flexible stays | Q2 2030 |
| The Crown | Tanjung Tokong · Seri Tanjung Pinang | From RM704,000 | Commercial-title serviced apartments, studio to three bedrooms (614–1,851 sq ft), near Straits Quay | Early 2029 |
Each unit still needs MBPP approval, and the developer’s sale terms or the building’s house rules can restrict short stays, so confirm the title and the management rules before booking. Compare short-stay income with a normal tenancy after the licence, accommodation fee, tourism tax, management and furnishing costs, and check your budget with the mortgage calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How many passengers did Penang airport handle in 2025?
About 8.31 million, up 11.25% from 7.47 million in 2024.
Is Penang airport still growing in 2026?
Yes. International passenger movements from January to July 2026 reached 2,646,500, up 11.13% on the same period in 2025, and new direct routes to Haikou and Batam started in October 2026.
Is Penang airport over capacity?
Yes. Its current design capacity is 6.5 million passengers a year, below the 8.31 million it handled in 2025. The expansion will raise capacity to 12 million passengers a year, targeted for 2028.
Can I run an Airbnb in Penang?
On Penang Island, not in a residential-title condominium. MBPP may consider commercial-title serviced apartments, SOHO units and individual-title landed homes in permitted zones, subject to a licence and planning approval. The building’s own rules can still ban short stays.
Buying a unit for Airbnb or short-stay rental?
I can send the latest price lists for G’Vinton, Scott @ Logan, Keeperz Suites and The Crown, and check each project’s title and short-stay rules before you book. WhatsApp or call +60 10-313 9113.
Sources
- Nanyang Siang Pau: 槟城机场2025年客流量增11%
- Bernama: Penang International Airport expansion phase one achieved 98 per cent – Wong
- The Star: Penang International Airport sees 11% surge in foreign passenger traffic
- New Straits Times: MAHB 2025 passenger numbers surge to 153.4m
- Malay Mail: Penang airport expansion records strong progress, slated for 2028 completion
This article is general information based on state government and Malaysia Airports statements and published reports as of 28 October 2026. Figures and timelines may change. It is not investment advice; project prices are indicative and depend on availability.