By Chan Wei Chao (REN 39846), Team Leader, Bricksmen Team · IQI Realty Sdn. Bhd. · Updated 13 November 2026
Penang received its first direct charter flight from Busan, South Korea, on the night of 12 November 2026. The Air Busan Airbus A321neo landed at Penang International Airport at about 11.30pm with 192 passengers, all delegates for the 63rd Orient and South East Asia Lions Forum.
The key facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Airline and aircraft | Air Busan, Airbus A321neo |
| Route | Gimhae International Airport, Busan, to Penang International Airport |
| Arrival | About 11.30pm on 12 November 2026 |
| Passengers | 192 delegates of the 63rd Orient and South East Asia Lions Forum |
| Second trip | The charter also takes Penang travellers to Busan on a tour arranged by a local travel agency |
| Forum size | About 6,050 delegates expected, nearly 70% from overseas |
State tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai and tourism officials welcomed the passengers. Wong said the charter was a push into the meetings and conference market. He said the state is open to direct flights with other South Korean cities and will give administrative help, but no airline has announced a regular route.
Other charters this season
- Warsaw, Poland: 5 November 2026
- Busan, South Korea: 12 November 2026
- Osaka, Japan: 30 December 2026, a one-off leisure charter
What it means for property
Large conferences fill hotels and bring spending to restaurants and shops, but one charter does not prove demand for a regular route. For property buyers:
- Don’t buy on tourism headlines alone. Short-term rental income depends on location, building rules and local regulations.
- Check the by-laws of any building before planning short-term rental.
- Watch for regular routes. Scheduled flights matter more than one-off charters.
Read more about the Penang airport expansion and airport passenger numbers.
Frequently asked questions
When did the first Busan to Penang charter arrive?
At about 11.30pm on 12 November 2026.
Who was on the flight?
192 delegates of the 63rd Orient and South East Asia Lions Forum.
Is there a regular Busan to Penang flight?
No regular route has been announced. The state says it is open to direct flights with South Korean cities.
Looking at property in Penang?
WhatsApp or call +60 10-313 9113.
Sources
- Citizens Journal: Air Busan charter to Penang lands 192 Lions Forum delegates
- Pocket News: Penang welcomes first direct charter flight from Busan with 192 passengers
This article is general information based on published reports as of 13 November 2026. It is not investment advice.