By Rafiq Vayani
DUBAI/LANGKAWI: LOT Polish Airlines has officially launched its inaugural charter flight from Warsaw to Langkawi, marking a significant milestone in strengthening travel links between Poland and Malaysia. This new connection is set to enhance tourist traffic between the two destinations.
The maiden flight touched down at Langkawi International Airport (LGK) and was greeted by a welcoming ceremony led by Deputy Secretary General (Tourism), Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Dr. Yasmeen Yasim. Representatives from Tourism Malaysia, the Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), and Nowa Itaka were also present to celebrate this occasion. The aircraft was honoured with a ceremonial water salute upon arrival, symbolising the growing ties between Poland and Malaysia.
The new direct flight will operate once a week every Sunday until March 2025, bringing more convenience to the people of the two countries in bridging the economic and cultural exchange and investment. As of September 2024, Malaysia welcomed 24,362 visitors from Poland, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and the total of 21,472 Polish tourists recorded in 2023.
As part of the welcoming efforts, LADA is also planning a series of promotional activities, including guided tours, cultural events, and immersive local experiences to ensure that Polish tourists have an unforgettable experience in Langkawi. LADA is optimistic that these initiatives will help increase air arrivals and raise the total number of tourists to Langkawi to an estimated 3 million by the end of this year.
Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid, Chief Executive Officer of LADA, remarked: “The arrival of these charter flights from Poland is a remarkable milestone for Langkawi’s tourism industry. We are eager to showcase the island’s natural beauty and warm hospitality to our Polish visitors. This initiative not only boosts our local economy but also strengthens international relations and cultural exchange. Our partnership with ITAKA was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding at ITB Berlin 2024.”
The introduction of this new route presents an excellent opportunity to attract more European tourists to Malaysia. As part of the ongoing efforts to promote Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026), Tourism Malaysia remains dedicated to forging strategic partnerships with international airlines to boost promotional initiatives and stimulate travel demand, further positioning Malaysia as a top destination for global travellers.
