Penang airport to get QR system, autogates soon

 

Discussions are ongoing with other airlines to expand the use of Penang airport’s self check-in kiosks and self-service baggage drop counters. (Bernama pic)

GEORGE TOWN: 

The Penang International Airport will soon introduce the “MyBorderPass” QR code system and autogate facilities for both Malaysians and foreigners in the coming months to enhance immigration processes.

State tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the matter is currently in the planning stage while the tender process was already under way.

“This initiative will help ease congestion at immigration counters, improve overall clearance efficiency and reduce long queues during peak hours.

“Visitors from 63 countries and regions will be eligible to use the autogate system,” he said in a statement.

Wong said the airport now has 35 self check-in kiosks to boost efficiency, of which 15 are designated for AirAsia, while the remaining are allocated for Scoot, Cathay Pacific and Malaysia Airlines.

Discussions are ongoing with other airlines to expand the use of these kiosks. The machines are strategically placed throughout the airport to facilitate smooth passenger flow and prevent overcrowding.

Wong said the airport also recently introduced five self-service baggage drop counters, currently available exclusively for Malaysia Airlines passengers, to streamline baggage drop-off procedures and enhance traveller experience.

“The airport management is in discussions with other airlines to extend this service to a wider range of carriers, allowing more passengers to benefit from faster and more efficient baggage handling,” he said.

On Penang airport’s expansion, Wong said that as of mid-March, phase one had reached 32% completion. The project is on track and is expected to be completed as scheduled.

He said passenger traffic at the airport reached 1.37 million between January and February 2025, marking a 17.35% increase compared with the 1.17 million recorded in the same period last year.

As of February 2025, international flight frequency stood at 320 flights per week, up from 208 flights per week in 2016, representing a 1.54-fold increase.

Given this increase in traffic and flights, Wong said the current 16 aircraft bays were insufficient to meet future demand.

“As part of the expansion, 12 new aircraft bays will be added, six with contact stands and six remote bays, bringing the total to 28 aircraft bays, nearly doubling the current capacity.” - FMT