KUALA LUMPUR — The Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) has reportedly climbed to become the second busiest airport in Southeast Asia, up from fourth place six months ago.
According to travel data provider OAG Aviation, KLIA handled 3.32 million departing seats in August, The Star reported.
Singapore’s Changi Airport retained the top position with 3.58 million departing seats last month.
Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport and Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport followed in third, fourth and fifth place respectively, with 3.25 million, 3.22 million and 2.77 million departing seats.
KLIA also recorded a 7.5 per cent year-on-year rise in departing seats in August, placing it fourth among Asean’s top 10 airports for growth.
This was compared to 3.02 million departing seats in March, marking a 10 per cent increase over the period.
According to the report, analysts noted that KLIA’s growth was supported by the rising number of airlines operating at the airport.
“The number of airlines operating at KLIA has also grown – from 59 last year to 66 this year,” Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani was quoted as saying.
According to the report, analysts noted that KLIA’s growth was supported by the rising number of airlines operating at the airport.
“The number of airlines operating at KLIA has also grown — from 59 last year to 66 this year,” Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani was quoted as saying.
Visa-free entry for Chinese and Indian travellers, which boosted passenger volumes, was also highlighted as a contributing factor.
Other analysts, including Endau Analytics founder Shukor Yusof and aviation expert Assoc Prof Major Dr Mohd Harridon Mohamed Suffian, further pointed to AirAsia’s aggressive expansion and Malaysia Airlines’ resumption of long-haul routes such as to Paris.
