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26/01/2025
January 21, 2025
MAHB to introduce over 10 new airlines, and focus on key markets in Asia, Europe for expansion
By S. Birruntha
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) aims to strengthen connectivity by introducing over 10 new airlines, with a focus on key markets in Asia and Europe.
"This strategy will help drive traffic growth as we prepare for Visit Malaysia 2026, reaffirming our commitment to connecting the nation to the world and delivering seamless travel experiences," according to MAHB managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani.
Mohd Izani said MAHB's encouraging performance in 2024 highlights the collaborative efforts of the airport operator, airline partners, government agencies, and the tourism industry in positioning Malaysia as a premier destination.
The addition of new airlines and destinations reflects growing confidence in Malaysia as a hub for tourism and business travel, he said in a statement. Malaysia experienced significant aviation growth in 2024, marked by an additional 12 new airlines, 16 resumptions, and addition of 24 new destinations.
MAHB said the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), the nation's busiest international gateway, welcomed several international carriers, while regional airports also benefitted from increased air traffic with new direct flights to destinations across Asia and beyond.
Among the 12 new airlines were Air Macau, Iraqi Airways, Turkmenistan Airlines, Cambodia Airways, Qingdao Airlines, AirAsia Cambodia, Loong Air, and Air India, all operating from KLIA.
New destinations connected to KLIA in 2024 include Almaty, Ashgabat, Baghdad, Chiang Rai, Lam D**g, Labuan Bajo, Jaipur, Nairobi, Nanjing, and Vientiane.
Overall, MAHB said 73 foreign carriers and six local carriers (excluding freighters) now operate flights to 138 international and 31 domestic destinations within the Malaysia Airports network, reflecting the continuous growth of the nation's aviation sector.
It added that in 2024, Malaysia Airports network, including Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (ISGA) in Turkiye, recorded over 135 million passenger movements, achieving 96.1 per cent of 2019 levels.
"Within Malaysia, airports handled 93.8 million passengers, reaching 89.1 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. International traffic continued its upward trend with 49.6 million passengers, or 93.1 per cent of 2019 figures, despite challenges such as delayed aircraft deliveries and disruptions in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. The domestic sector also remained stable, recording 44.2 million passengers or 85.1 per cent of pre-pandemic levels," it noted.
Meanwhile, MAHB said ISGA continued its growth trajectory in 2024, welcoming 41.9 million passengers, a 16.7 per cent increase from 2019.
2025 © New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd.
