KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) aims to expand its route networks and improve operational efficiencies to support its growth.

The airport operator expects its performance this year to remain promising, with results trailing just 5.0 per cent below the record levels of the first half of 2019 (1H 2019), which was the strongest operational year in its history.

MAHB registered a total of 65 million passenger movements in 1H 2024, representing a growth of 15.8 per cent compared to 1H 2023 and reaching 95.4 per cent of 2019 levels.

The robust traffic performance in 1H 2024 was predominantly driven by international passenger movements, buoyed by increasing air travel demand, visa exemptions for travelers from China and India, and an expanded array of airline routes.

Total international passenger movements for the group reached 34.1 million passengers in 1H 2024, up from 26.5 million in 1H 2023, and a 5.3 per cent increase over 2019 levels.

Domestic passenger movements also showed encouraging growth, recording a 4.1 per cent increase over 1H 2023 with 30.9 million passengers, reaching 86.5 per cent of 2019 levels.

MAHB noted that six new foreign airlines flying into the country have expanded international traffic by 40 per cent in 1H 2024, compared to a year ago.

These airlines are Cambodia Airways, Flydubai, Iraqi Airways, Juneyao Airlines, Thai Lion Air, and Turkmenistan Airlines.

Together, these airlines contributed to a total passenger movement of 45 million, representing 87.9 per cent of pre-pandemic levels from the same period in 2019.

Meanwhile, MAHB said that the recovery in total seat capacity reached 85 per cent in 1H 2024, amounting to 57 million seats compared to 67.3 million in 1H 2019.

The average load factor for 1H 2024 stood at 78.8 per cent, surpassing the 1H 2019 level by 3.4 percentage points. This sustained growth throughout 1H 2024 indicates robust demand, with further expansions anticipated in seat capacity offerings.

Internationally, the group's Turkish asset, Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW), surpassed pre-pandemic passenger movements with 20 million passengers recorded in 1H 2024.

This reflects a 16.4 per cent increase over 1H 2023 and an 18.1 per cent increase over 1H 2019, MAHB said.

International passenger movements have been a major driver of this growth, with 1.7 million passengers recorded per month.

SAW welcomed two new airlines: Air Arabia, operating three weekly flights to Cairo, Egypt, and AJet, offering 18 weekly services to various international destinations.

This has enhanced the airport's connectivity and presence in Western Europe, MAHB said.

Domestic passenger movements also grew, with 1.8 million passengers registered per month, a 17 per cent increase over 2023.

With the summer season underway, international passenger movements are expected to remain strong, driven by high peak season demand.

https://www.nst.com.my/business/corporate/2024/07/1080268/mahb-expand-routes-enhance-efficiency-growth