Penang Airport

After long queues for the only lift up to departures we were stuck past security as our departing flight was late. Neither domestic nor international departures areas have any fresh food or alcoholic drinks available whatsoever. A long wait on uncomfortable chairs - we could have got to KL quicker by bus than flying. The airport is a serious disincentive to anyone looking to invest in Penang.

Penang airport is undergoing major renovation at the moment. Things will be a mess for the rest of the year most likely. It is dirty noisy has few options for food (nearly nothing inside security so be sure to eat before you check in) and few places to sit comfortably. Hopefully the renovation will improve this situation but Penang has always been a small dingy regional airport. Take note that most public toilets in Malaysia hose down the entire facility during cleaning. The airport is no different. Thus if you need to change clothes or change a baby you will find it difficult to stay dry.

Having used countless airports world wide Penang airport small and a little old fashioned is a welcomimg efficient airport that provides some relaxation a human touch and I always feel at home when using it which I have somewhere in the region of 60 times for personal flights and countless times sending or receiving family and friends. The staff are helpful and normally smiling and if you are in the know some good eating just outside the departure entrance doors wher the staff eat local foods. A great start to a trip and somewhere to look forward to on return . Parking okay taxis well controlled and priced no touts or big crowds. I am using Hong Kong airport because of location change due to work but my daughter continues to fly to Penang for schooling and loves it.

Penang airport is very straight-forward with everything being on one floor for departures. You first get your baggage scanned before checking in. There are many check-in counters however there really aren't that many people for all of the counters to be used. Check-in is usually pretty quick and there is a McDonald's and some ATM's etc before you go through security. Security (and immigration for international departures) are pretty quick and efficient. Once you are in the departure area there are a few sad shops and one snack bar. The terminal offers a nice view of the tarmac. Don't bother to arrive too early for your flight. Usually 60-90 minutes is more than enough. Penang is your typical regional airport and is perfect for the traffic it handles. It is not the newest airport out there but they have made some minor renovations and it's quite good.

As a frequent visitor to Penang I know the airport well. I find it a very friendly and efficient place which reflects the courtesy of the Island and its people. My only complaint is the quality and range of the catering establishments air side. Given the booming commercial and tourist arrivals and departures this needs to be addressed soon. Transport links to and from the airport are excellent now that the expressway has been constructed making plane to final destination a speedy and comfortable experience. I agree with other reviewers comments about the airports scenic location and also have noted the similarity with Honolulu.

Penang International Airport - laid back atmosphere old furnishing really dated. Food cost is similar to US airport prices and there are a few cafes with local prices -they are hidden from the crowds so you have to search. For some reason this airport reminds me of Honolulu International Airport but in a smaller scale.

Used the airport in July 09. Arrived from Singapore from Tiger Airways. Arrival hall was slightly older compared to the departure hall. Arrival has Kenny Rogers outlet and a ice cream parlour. Used the taxi service at the arrival hall (prepaid from counter) it cost us M$38 to Gurney Hotel. There is no meter in Penang taxis! So got to bargain before entering the taxis. Departure hall is newer has a fish tank that my daughter likes. There is a Coffee Bean and a Mac outlet for dep passengers - not as crowded as compared to KLCC. Money chargers can be found in the terminals offering good exchange rates (as compared to Bali airport). Baby changing rooms in the dep hall is a joke. Its a small room with a old pillow and a old dirty looking mat on a table. No soap/tissues/paper towels provided. There are a no of duty free shops prices are more expensive than Singapore Changi/Budget terminal. A number of seats can be found in the dep hall while awaiting for flights back to Sin. Was informed that there is plans of a budget terminal in Penang on the way.

It is perfectly situated by seaside where one can easily enjoy the scenic view of straits of Malacca and sun setting and rising. Though the exterior of the airport seems old it fully portrays the history of Penang. Old but nicely kept airport gives passengers (at least me) the feeling of home. No hazards no air pollution nice seaside view nice ground staff cool air short distance to immigration and arrival hall simple baggage claim nice blue tone quiet atmosphere etc.

When the aircraft touched down on the airport my first impression was that the airport was very OLD. There is only one runway and one small terminal to cater to international and domestic flights. Once the aircraft is docked at the terminal the passengers used the aerobridge (all flights regardless of international and domestic) to enter the terminal. The terminal is split into two sections which are the international and domestic sections. The state of the restrooms are very appalling. There are some small cafeteria and duty-free shops when one moves along the terminal but most of the items sold there are not too appealing. If you wish to purchase some items found in Penang only the airport is a good place to buy as they are stocked up with many authentic Malaysian goodies. The third level is where the airline lounges are. As I flew SIA and MAS in first and business class before I got the chance to use the lounges. The MAS lounge is beautiful and one should try it. It is situated looking towards the runway so you can see the different aircrafts when landing or take- off. The SIA lounge is a little dark and quiet but is still a good place to rest. On my return flight check-in was average. The staff were not grumpy but also not outstanding. There is only a small area to check-in. Regardless of the state of the terminal I still liked the airport a lot. It has the same magical feeling as when in the city of Penang.