Starting from April, Emirates will begin daily flights between Dubai and Penang.
Flights will go through Singapore to the airline's second destination in Malaysia, after Kuala Lumpur.
Penang island has long been an important hub between Asia, Europe and the Middle East and will offer Emirates passengers a new side of Malaysia to discover.
In Penang's cosmopolitan capital of George Town, travellers can get a taste of old-world Asia fused with modern culture, a flourishing art scene and a growing gastronomy culture. Penang is also famous for its endless pristine coastlines, mountainous jungles and rolling hills.
Travellers keen on visiting can book flights now, with the first jet set to depart from Dubai International Airport on Thursday, April 9.
The route will be serviced by a 354-seat Boeing 777-300ER which will have eight first-class suites. Flights will operate daily on the following schedule:
- EK348 Dubai to Singapore departing 2:30am arriving 2:05pm
- EK348 Singapore to Penang departing 3:35pm arriving 5:15pm
- EK349 Penang to Singapore departing 10:20pm arriving 11:50pm
- EK349 Singapore to Dubai departing 1:40am arriving 4:55am
Malaysia ranks first in the Global Muslim Travel Index and is already a popular destination for Emirates.
"We have been serving Malaysia through our flights to Kuala Lumpur for more than 20 years, with a three-times daily service. The introduction of flights to Penang will help us meet growing demand from leisure and business travellers, both to and from Malaysia,” said Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer at Emirates.
Malaysia's tropical island
Penang is located on the western coast of Malaysia. The state is a popular tourist destination, with the huge island being connected to the mainland by the country's two longest road bridges.
George Town has designated Unesco World Heritage Status and a host of historic forts, temples and mosques to explore.
Penang is also home to Escape, Malaysia's most popular theme park and holder of the Guinness World Record for the longest tube water slide in the world.
