Credit : Tourism Malaysia
PENANG, November 5, 2026 — Penang received the inaugural Rainbow Tours winter charter flight from Warsaw, Poland, on 5 November 2026, in what Tourism Malaysia described as a new chapter in Malaysia’s air connectivity and a boost to cooperation with Polish travel trade partners under Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 (VM2026–2027).
According to the statement, the inaugural service was operated by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner with a capacity of 293 seats. It forms part of Rainbow Tours’ winter charter programme, which runs from November 2026 until March 2027 and operates one flight per week.
Tourism Malaysia said the seasonal charter was expected to provide greater accessibility for Polish travellers seeking leisure and long-haul holiday experiences in Malaysia during the European winter season.
“Malaysia’s air connectivity marks a new chapter today with the arrival of the inaugural Rainbow Tours Winter Charter Flight from Warsaw, Poland, to Penang,” the agency said in a media statement dated 5 November 2026.
“This initiative signifies a positive development in boosting tourism connectivity between the two countries while fostering stronger cooperation with Polish travel trade partners, in line with Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 (VM2026–2027),” it said.
The arrival was commemorated with a special welcoming ceremony jointly organised by Penang Global Tourism (PGT) and Tourism Malaysia, with the support of tourism stakeholders and industry partners. Official photographs issued with the statement showed the aircraft being welcomed with a symbolic water salute.
Those in attendance included Mateusz Reszczyk, Counsellor of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Kuala Lumpur; Dato’ Seri Suppiah Manikam, Honorary Consul of the Republic of Poland in Penang; and Lee Thai Hung, Deputy Director General (Promotions II) of Tourism Malaysia.
Representatives from Penang Global Tourism, Tourism Malaysia, Rainbow Tours, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) and other tourism stakeholders were also present, the statement said.
Official photographs in the media kit showed passengers being welcomed on arrival, receiving special welcome goodies, posing with Visit Malaysia 2026 mascots Wira and Manja, and joining a photograph with the flight crew.
Tourism Malaysia said the introduction of the charter reflected growing interest among Polish travellers in Malaysia’s diverse tourism offerings, including its rich cultural heritage, tropical islands, nature-based attractions, gastronomy and multicultural experiences.
The service is also expected to contribute substantially to Penang’s tourism industry by enhancing visitor arrivals to the state, which the agency said is internationally recognised for its UNESCO World Heritage Site and complemented by vibrant cultural attractions and world-renowned culinary offerings.
Poland remains one of Malaysia’s promising source markets in Central and Eastern Europe, according to the statement. It said that from January to September 2026, Malaysia received 40,526 Polish visitors, an 8.3 per cent increase from the 37,432 recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
As Malaysia advances its tourism agenda under VM2026–2027, Tourism Malaysia said strategic collaborations with international tour operators remained instrumental in expanding market reach, enhancing connectivity and sustaining the growth of international visitor arrivals.
The Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board, known as Tourism Malaysia, is an agency under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC). It focuses on promoting Malaysia as a preferred tourism destination and, the statement said, has played a significant role in strengthening the country’s presence and competitiveness in the global tourism landscape.
Visit Malaysia 2026–2027 underscores Malaysia’s commitment to sustainable tourism development, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), the agency said. The campaign aims to showcase the nation’s diverse natural attractions, rich cultural heritage and vibrant tourism offerings, while driving inclusive growth and long-term value for local communities and industry stakeholders, with the campaign extended through VM2027.
Tourism Malaysia extended its appreciation to Rainbow Tours, Penang Global Tourism, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad and all industry partners whose commitment and collaboration had contributed to the successful launch of the charter operation.
“The inaugural flight marks another positive step towards strengthening tourism exchanges between the two countries and increasing travel demand from Poland and the wider Europe to Malaysia, Beautifully Yours,” the statement said.
Credit : Tourism Malaysia
About The Author
