Malaysia’s air passenger traffic has witnessed a significant surge, with year-to-date figures showing a remarkable 21.4% increase to 15.3 million passengers as of February 2024 compared to the same period last year, according to the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom).
Mavcom’s forecast for this year anticipates air passenger traffic to range between 93.9 million and 107.1 million passengers, indicating a robust growth trajectory for the aviation sector.
In a statement released today, Mavcom highlighted that February 2024’s passenger traffic reached 95.4% of the levels seen in February 2019, underscoring the ongoing recovery momentum.
February 2024 recorded 8.1 million passengers, marking a substantial 12.6% month-on-month increase from January 2024, and a significant 34.8% year-on-year growth compared to February 2023.
Domestic and international passenger traffic contributed almost equally to overall traffic, with domestic traffic accounting for 49.3% and international traffic for 50.7% in February 2024.
Mavcom’s Executive Chairman, Datuk Seri Saripuddin Kasim, noted that the aviation sector is on a trajectory towards robust recovery, with February 2024’s air passenger traffic showcasing a significant upturn. He expressed optimism that Malaysia’s air travel demand could return to pre-pandemic levels by the end of this year and potentially surpass them by 2025.
However, Saripuddin highlighted the pressing issue of aircraft capacity due to supply chain disruptions, emphasising the need for meticulous planning by airlines and adequate infrastructure by airport operators to accommodate increased demand while maintaining service quality.
He emphasised that the surge in air travel reflects restored faith in safe travel and a resurgent desire for connection, highlighting the aviation sector’s pivotal role in facilitating economic vitality and social connections.
