KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd's (MAHB) traffic expanded 1.8 per cent to 11.2 million passengers in May from the preceding month's 11 million passengers.
The airport operator said the number has set a new milestone for it, surpassing the peak levels achieved in February 2024.
"Additionally, this achievement marks the fifth consecutive month with over 10 million total passengers," it said in a statement.
On the local front, MAHB recorded 7.7 million passenger movements across its local network of airports, showing a steady performance with a one per cent increase from the previous month's 7.6 million passengers.
The airports in Malaysia welcomed four million international passengers in May 2024, marking a two per cent increase from the 3.9 million passengers in the previous month.
MAHB said domestic traffic at the local airports maintained its steady performance, with 3.7 million passengers recorded last month.
"This consistency in domestic travel highlights the robust demand for air travel within the country, further supported by enhanced connectivity and continuous improvements in airport services.
"Overall, the combined growth in international and domestic traffic underscores the resilience and attractiveness of Malaysia's aviation sector," it said.
Intensive efforts by MAHB to expand the country's network connectivity have resulted in KL International Airport (KLIA), now serving 70 airlines, surpassing the pre-pandemic level of 69 airlines.
By the end of the year, three more airlines - British Airways, Vietjet Air and 9 Air - are expected to begin operations.
MAHB said the group is actively pursuing 15 more foreign carriers to operate in the country over the next two years, aiming to elevate KLIA as a preferred international hub.
To bolster air travel, the group said it has invested significantly in initiatives such as the Airline X-celeration programme, which includes landing fee waivers, airport office rental rebates, and marketing support.
"About RM3 million has been allocated for marketing support on Malaysia-China routes alone so far, underscoring the group's commitment to enhancing connectivity and attracting more airlines," it noted.
At Türkiye's Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, MAHB said total passenger movements in May reached 3.5 million, marking a 3. 0 per cent increase from April.
Both international and domestic passenger movements contributed to this growth, with 1.8 million international passengers and 1.7 million domestic passengers recorded in May, it added.
