PENANG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT | GUIDE TO PENANG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (PEN)

Penang International Airport (IATA: PEN ICAO: WMKP) is an airport in northern Malaysia. The airport is 16km south of Georgetown, Penang's capital city.

Penang International Airport is known to be the third busiest airport in the country regarding passenger traffic next to Kuala Lumpur Airport and Kota Kinabalu Airport.

Notably, Firefly, Malaysia Airlines subsidiary, has made Penang International Airport one of its base quarters. AirAsia, another domestic budget airline company, operates at Penang Airport as one of its secondary focus hubs.

The airport became a source of conflict between the Malaysian federal government and the Penang state government in recent years since the transportation system and infrastructure throughout Malaysia fell under the management of the latter authority.

Transfer Services at Penang Airport

Penang Airport offers several modes of transportation for the convenience of their inbound and outbound guests.

Rental cars, Public Transportation such as Buses and Taxis, and Rideshare services are available at Penang Airport.

All modes of transportation, as mentioned earlier, are located at Level 1 of the terminal building.

Guests are advised to secure their baggage, personal items, and belongings before boarding or disembarking the aircraft.

Rental Cars at Penang Airport

Renting a car when traveling may be the most convenient if you love exploring places independently and without any fixed itinerary.

Several car rental companies serve Penang International Airport for your transportation convenience. Rental services counters are located on Level 1 of the terminal building.

Foreign guests visiting Malaysia in a short period need to present an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car.

For more information, check our car rental options.

Taxi Services at Penang Airport

Taxis are accessible at Penang Airport and operate through a coupon system.

The charges are fixed based on desired destinations to prevent overcharging. You can purchase the coupon at the taxi counter at Level 1, Arrival Concourse of the terminal building.

The airport is approximately 19km from George Town, Penang, which will take about 45 minutes taxi ride to reach the downtown district.

For more information, visit our Taxi Page.

Train Services at Penang Airport

Trains are one of the fastest travel methods, especially for long distances and inter-city travel. Some countries use high-speed trains since it saves travel time and reduces traffic congestion.

Penang Airport, however, is not accessible by train. Penang has a railways station located at Butterworth, Penang called the Butterworth railway station.

For more information, visit our Trains Page.

Bus Services at Penang Airport

Buses are the cheapest and one of the most frequently used modes of transportation anywhere.

The city's bus service has also been serving Penang Airport. You can take the bus to Curbside Lane 3, Level 1, Arrival Concourse of the terminal building.

For more information, visit our Bus Page.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Penang Airport

Hotel shuttles are familiar at Penang Airport since it is the third-busiest airport in Malaysia. Tourists can avail of hotel shuttle services upon booking their accommodation.

Usually, hotels provide or offer shuttle services to their guests. However, fees may apply depending on the hotel and your destination.

For more information, visit our Hotels Page.

Rideshare Services at Penang Airport

Rideshare services are one of the most convenient and accessible transfer services. With just a few clicks on your rideshare apps, you'll have a car ready to pick you up in 3-5 minutes after your request.

Parking Services at Penang Airport

If you are planning on bringing your car to Penang Airport, there is no need to worry about a parking space. There are two parking options at Penang International Airport. There is a Public Parking and a Valet Parking.

Penang International Airport has an open-air car park which is Public Parking. It has 600 parking bays provided for the convenience of every customer. This Parking option costs RM 2.00 per hour from 1 hour to 12 hours and RM 24.00 from 12 hours to 24 hours.

For added convenience, you may also use the Valet Parking facility. It is entirely guarded by 24-hour security surveillance cameras. It costs RM 10.00 for the first hour, an additional RM 5.00 for the following hours, and RM 70.00 for 24 hours.

For more information, visit our Parking Page.

Other Services at Penang Airport

The airport has retail shops, duty-free outlets, food hubs, restaurants, and premium passenger lounges for traveling convenience and comfort. The airport enjoys increasing passenger traffic movements and continually upgrades to ensure a joyful user experience.

Disabled Passengers at Penang Airport

Penang Airport offers special assistance to its disabled guests and those needing exceptional help.

All of their terminals offer ramps and elevators, restrooms, telephones, and numerous other facilities and services that are easily accessible.

Suppose you wish to remain in your wheelchair when proceeding to the aircraft door rather than using the airline wheelchair at check-in. In that case, you must notify your airline of your needs and check your airline's policy.

Also, be sure to request complimentary ground assistance, and the airline's personnel will assist you and take care of your needs.

You may approach their friendly Airport CARE Ambassadors for any assistance.

WiFi at Penang Airport

Stay virtually connected while at the airport with Penang Airport's free WiFi connection.

Turn on your WiFi, then Select Airport@WiFi. If you need more information or assistance, you can approach any Airport CARE Ambassadors at the Information Counters or throughout the Terminal.

Baggage Claim at Penang Airport

The baggage claim area of Penang Airport is located at the ground level of the arrivals. After disembarking the aircraft, you will see signage leading you to the arrivals hall, where the baggage carousel is.

Baggage carts are also available near the baggage carousels free of charge.

Information Desk at Penang Airport

If you have a few inquiries, Penang Airport has an Information Desk and Tourist Booth located at the Arrivals Hall on the first level of the airport.

Smoking at Penang Airport

Penang Airport offers several amenities, including a smoking lounge in the International and Domestic Departures area.

Lost and Found Section at Penang Airport

You can check with the airport staff for any misplaced items. Don't hesitate to contact the airline you are traveling with for items lost on board the aircraft. We strongly recommend that travelers take travel insurance to cover any losses that might occur.

Please refer to Security Operations Center for Assistance with items lost at the Terminal. Lost items that are turned in will be kept for 30 days before being disposed of when uncollected. You may contact them at this number: 04-252 0278.

If you've found an item that doesn't belong to you, you can report it to the Lost and Found Center. Alternatively, you can also contact them. Remember to select 'Lost and Found' under Request Type.

Restrooms at Penang Airport

There are several toilets at Penang Airport. Some are located on level 2 of its building. There are showers available if you need to shower; however, remember to bring your towel and toiletries.

Nursing Mother Stations at Penang Airport

Traveling with infants could be challenging and uncomfortable, especially for lactating mothers. At Penang Airport, mothers can comfortably breastfeed their infants in the provided Baby Care rooms.

You will find the Baby Care Room at the airport's level 2, Public Concourse, behind McDonald's Restaurant.

ATMs at Penang Airport

Getting money at Penang Airport is not a problem. Penang Airport has multiple Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) stationed in both Arrivals and Departures Areas, where guests can withdraw cash anytime.

We advise you to consult your banks if they allow banknote withdrawals to the country you are traveling to. If not, you better have cash, and your local currency exchanged.

Currency Exchange at Penang Airport

You can have your local currencies exchanged at Penang Airport. There are currency exchange agencies located on the second level of the airport at the departure hall.

Food and Beverages at Penang Airport

There are several restaurants and cafes inside Penang Airport. Food concessions are within reach of the airport premises whenever you get hungry or thirsty. Takeaways are also allowed if you are in a rush. You can also spend some time in these cafes and restaurants waiting for your flight.

Shopping at Penang Airport

If you are looking for a gift or a souvenir, shoes, clothes, accessories, and jewelry, Penang Airport got you covered. You can also kill some time while waiting for your next flight or for someone to come and get you at the airport.

Pet Relief at Penang Airport

No pet relief areas are available at Penang Airport, as pets/guide/hearing/service animals are not allowed inside the Terminal.

One of Malaysia's policies when traveling with pets is to contact your airline if you decide to bring your pet on board and for information regarding the onboard animal policy.

Ticketing Service at Penang Airport

There are several airline offices you can find inside Penang Airport. You will find them near the check-in counters. For your convenience, you can also purchase your tickets at Penang Airport.

History of Penang Airport

Penang Airport, formerly Bayan Lepas Airport, was completed in 1935 when Penang was still under the British colony of the Straits Settlements.

In the 1970s, a significant airport expansion occurred. During that time, a terminal building of Minangkabau architecture was built. The runway extended to accommodate Boeing 747s, the largest passenger jet aircraft. The airport was renamed Penang International Airport after completing the expansion works in 1979.

In recent years, the said landing field became a source of conflict between the Malaysian federal government and the Penang state government. The main factor of the disagreement was about the country's transportation system, which is under the latter authority's control and management.

There have been calls encouraging the Penang state government to expand the airport. Despite this, it was essentially disregarded by the country's federal government, even though the facility has already exceeded its maximum capacity of more than 6 million passengers.

In 2017, authorities announced the intention to develop the airport, aiming to accommodate 12 million passengers annually by 2029. The airport expansion project was delayed from 2020-2022 due to funding and land acquisition issues. However, the Transport Ministry of Malaysia has reaffirmed its development plans for airport expansion.

About Penang, Malaysia

Penang in Malay, called Palau Penang, is a Malaysian state situated northwest coastline of Peninsular Malaysia by the Malacca Strait.

Penang has two sections: Penang Island, where George Town, the capital city, is located, and the Seberang Perai on the Malay Peninsula.

Penang Island and Seberang Perai are connected by the country's two longest concrete bridges; the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge and the Penang Bridge. The latter is the second-longest oversea bridge in Southeast Asia.

Penang ranks 8th in the most populated state in Malaysia, with a population of more than 1.7 million as of 2018. It is one of the nation's highest populations and most urbanized states.

Meanwhile, Seberang Perai is the country's second-largest city by population. Its heterogeneous inhabitants are highly diverse in ethnicity, civilization, language, and religion.

Aside from the three primary races, the Malays, Indians, and Chinese, Penang is also home to other significant ethnicities, such as Eurasian, Siamese, and expatriate communities.

A resident of Penang is natively known as a Penangite or Penang Lang in the colloquial Penang Hokkien language due to the considerable Penangite Chinese population.

Weather in Penang, Malaysia

In Penang, the wet season is stifling and foggy; the dry season is muggy, windy, and partly cloudy; and it is warm year-round. For the year, the temperature typically varies from 66°F to 88°F and is seldom below 63°F or above 90°F.

Based on the country's tourism score, the best and most convenient time of the year to visit Penang for warm-weather activities is from early May to early October.

The Rainy period of the year in Malaysia lasts for 7.7 months, from October 18 to June 9. The month with the most rain in Penang is February,

Having little rain to no precipitation period of the year lasts for 4.3 months, from June 9 to October 18. The month with the least rainfall in Penang is every August.

Useful Contact Details

Penang is recognized for its rich heritage and architecture, vibrant multicultural society, a vast range of contemporary entertainment and retail options, natural features such as beaches and hills, and world-famous Penang cuisine.

Malaysia National Emergency Numbers

When you are in an emergency and need Assistance from the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP), Fire and Rescue Department (FRDM), Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH), Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), and Department of Civil Defence (DCD) dial 999.

It is an ICT platform that handles and channels calls and emergency information through one number, that is 999.

Hospital

Gleneagles Hospital Penang (GPG)

Address: 1, Jalan Pangkor, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Phone: +60 4 222 9111

Police Station

Penang Contingent Police Headquarters

Address: Jln Penang, George Town, 10760 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Phone: +60 4 222 1522

Penang Airport Contacts

Address: Lapangan Terbang Antarabangsa Bayan Lepas, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang, Malaysia

General Phone: ‎+60 3-8777-8888/+603–8777-7000

Lost and Found Phone: +60 04-252 0278

Information Desk: +60 3-8777-8888

Official Website: https://airports.malaysiaairports.com.my/penang

Local Information

Drive on: Left

Electricity: 240V/50Hz

Plug: Type G

Currency: Malaysian Ringgit, Ringgit, RM

WiFi at Airport: WiFi connection at Penang Airport is available.