Myanmar Airways International (MAI) held a roadshow at the Cititel Hotel in Penang, Malaysia, on October 14, 2026, with the aim of strengthening tourism and economic cooperation between Malaysia and Myanmar.

The event was attended by YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State Executive Council (EXCO) member for Tourism and Creative Economy (PETACE), Mr. Ooi Chok Yan, CEO of Penang Global Tourism (PGT), and other officials.

MAI expressed its sincere appreciation to the Penang state government and PGT for their strong support and assistance in promoting economic cooperation and tourism between Malaysia and Myanmar.

Speaking about direct flights between the two countries, MAI CEO Mr. Tanes Kumar said the airline had expanded its Yangon-Kuala Lumpur service for the Malaysian market in 2022. The route currently operates 14 flights per week, with two flights daily under flight numbers 8M501 to 8M504.

The Yangon-Penang route was launched in April 2025 and currently operates three flights per week, on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, he said.

YB Wong Hon Wai, Penang State EXCO member for Tourism and Creative Economy, expressed hope that visitors would experience Penang's distinctive attractions and diverse tourism services during their stay and share the beauty and appeal of the destination with prospective travelers from Myanmar.

He said the air connectivity would not only facilitate two-way visitor flows between Myanmar and Penang but also stimulate tourism-driven economic growth, creating mutual benefits for both sides.

An MAI representative said the roadshow was organized jointly by MAI, Penang Global Tourism (PGT) and PETACE to promote Penang as a tourist destination for Myanmar travelers while encouraging Malaysian visitors to travel to Myanmar.

The initiative also aims to bring inbound and outbound tour groups from Myanmar to Penang and arrange business-matching opportunities between Myanmar tourism operators and Penang-based Malaysian travel agents, hoteliers and other tourism businesses, creating mutually beneficial opportunities.

"The main objective is not only to attract Myanmar travelers to Penang but also to invite Malaysian tourists to visit Myanmar," the MAI representative said.

Indonesia currently ranks first among international visitor markets to Penang, followed by China in second place and Singapore in third, according to the MAI spokesperson.

MAI will continue its efforts to increase the number of visitors from Myanmar to Penang and help Myanmar become one of the leading source markets for international tourists visiting the Malaysian state, the spokesperson added.