BAYAN LEPAS – Penang International Airport (PEN) has won CAPA – Centre for Aviation’s Asia Small/Medium Airport of the Year award, recognising its operational efficiency, innovative services and contribution to regional economic growth.

The award was presented at the CAPA Asia & Environmental Sustainability Awards for Excellence on 1 October 2026 in Chitose, Hokkaido, Japan, during the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Asia.

As a gateway to northern Malaysia, PEN provides crucial connectivity that supports the region’s tourism, trade and investment. The airport handled 4 million passenger movements in the first half of 2026, comprising 2.2 million international and 1.8 million domestic movements. As at September 2026, it was served by 27 airlines connecting Penang to 22 destinations.

Malaysia Airports Managing Director Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani said, “We understand Penang’s development ambitions. Beyond its appeal as a tourist destination, the state is central to Malaysia’s ambition to lead the region in high-value manufacturing. Its airport must provide the connectivity and capacity to support that growth.

“That is why we are approaching the airport’s expansion as part of Penang’s wider infrastructure development. We are investing to meet the needs of industries, investors and communities, while giving airlines room to grow. This award recognises the work of our airport team and partners, and our responsibility is to build on that progress with an airport that can keep pace with Penang’s ambitions.”

Expansion works are currently ongoing at PEN to increase its annual passenger handling capacity from 6.5 million to 12 million. The project includes expansion of the main terminal and aircraft apron, alongside supporting infrastructure, to accommodate more passengers and aircraft.

The additional capacity will support Penang’s tourism sector and the international business links that its manufacturing and investment activities depend on. As construction progresses, Malaysia Airports continues to coordinate works around airport operations to maintain service for passengers and airlines.

Alongside the expansion, Malaysia Airports is working with airlines and tourism partners to develop Penang’s route network. Providing capacity for additional services will allow the airport to offer more travel options and strengthen northern Malaysia’s access to international markets