KUALA LUMPUR – The introduction of seven new local flight routes boosted passenger movement threefold on-month in December 2020 for Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd’s (MAHB) domestic operations.
In a statement, MAHB said this is also due to the holiday season and relaxation of domestic travel curbs.
Group CEO Datuk Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh said over one million passengers travelled domestically via MAHB’s network of 39 airports last month, in an encouraging sign of air travel recovery.
“Compared with November 2020, the average daily passenger movement in December increased by 50% to about 34,500, with the highest daily domestic movement recorded at 54,000 on December 27.”
He said airlines such as AirAsia (AK) and Firefly (FY) made a strategic decision to offer new domestic routes in response to market demand shaped by Covid-19.
“With international borders still closed, they are now focusing on enhancing local connectivity between the states, especially those with popular tourist destinations and business hubs. In December alone, the airports saw seven new routes by AK, with a frequency of three weekly flights each.
“AK is also looking forward to launching their new route between Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) and Terengganu airport in February, to further widen its flight options while enhancing flight connectivity within Malaysia.”
This month, he said, FY will begin operations at Penang International Airport as its second hub.
“Passengers can look forward to three new destinations when flying from Penang, namely Senai airport, Kuching International Airport and BKI. These new flight routes will operate twice daily.” – Bernama, January 12, 2021
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