IndiGo, India's leading airline, has expanded its international network with the launch of new flights to Penang and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, starting December 21, 2024. This expansion marks a significant step in IndiGo's strategy to enhance connectivity to Southeast Asia, providing more travel options for both business and leisure travelers from India.
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The daily direct flight from Chennai to Penang will reduce travel time from approximately seven hours to just four, offering a faster, more convenient route for travelers. This new service makes Penang IndiGo's 37th international destination and the third in Malaysia, alongside Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi. The flight, numbered 6E1045, departs from Chennai at 2:15 AM local time and arrives in Penang at 8:30 AM. The return flight, 6E1046, leaves Penang at 9:30 AM and lands back in Chennai at 10:35 AM.
In addition to the Chennai-Penang route, IndiGo will also resume operations between Bengaluru and Kuala Lumpur on the same day. The flight from Bengaluru to Kuala Lumpur is designed to cater to the growing demand for travel between these two cities, with IndiGo now operating 28 weekly flights to Malaysia from two Indian cities, Chennai and Bengaluru. This move by IndiGo is not just about expanding its network but also about fostering economic and cultural exchanges between India and Malaysia. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, stating, "We are extremely pleased to further expand our network into Malaysia with the launch of direct flights from Chennai to Penang, our third destination in Malaysia, alongside Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi."
The launch was celebrated with a traditional lamp-lighting and cake-cutting ceremony at Chennai International Airport, attended by airport officials and IndiGo representatives, marking the inaugural flight to Penang. This event underscored the airline's commitment to providing affordable, timely, courteous, and hassle-free travel experiences across its network. IndiGo's decision to add these routes is timely, considering India's position as Malaysia's fifth-largest source market for tourists. The new flights are expected to boost tourism, facilitate business travel, and strengthen bilateral relations. Moreover, Chennai will serve as a gateway for travelers from other Indian cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai, heading to Penang, enhancing connectivity. This expansion underscores IndiGo's ongoing commitment to its mission of connecting people and places, making travel more accessible, and contributing to the growth of India's aviation sector.