The Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) revealed encouraging statistics reflecting a significant rebound in air passenger traffic during the first quarter of 2024 (1Q24), signaling a return to pre-COVID-19 travel patterns among Malaysian passengers.
According to MAVCOM’s latest report, air passenger traffic in 1Q24 surged by 16.1 per cent year-on-year (YoY), totaling 22.6 million passengers. Notably, international air traffic witnessed a remarkable 39.9 per cent YoY increase, reaching 11.9 million passengers, while domestic air passenger traffic experienced a slight dip of 2.3 per cent, totaling 10.7 million passengers.
Quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) comparisons reveal a 2.7 per cent increase in total air passenger traffic in 1Q24, despite a minor decline in domestic air traffic by 2.5 per cent. International air passenger traffic, on the other hand, saw a notable 7.9 per cent QoQ rise.
However, March 2024 witnessed a 10.0 per cent month-on-month (MoM) decline in air passenger traffic, attributed to subdued travel activities during the holy month of Ramadan. Nevertheless, March 2024 exhibited a 5.6 per cent YoY increase in air passenger traffic compared to March 2023.
The recovery trajectory from COVID-19 indicates that 1Q24 reached 85.5 per cent of 2019 levels, with international air traffic recovery at 89.3 per cent and domestic at 81.7 per cent. Notably, international air traffic exceeded domestic air traffic for the first time since the pandemic, reflecting a robust recovery in international routes and frequencies.
In terms of air cargo movements, Malaysia recorded 227,365 metric tonnes in 1Q24, marking a 6.3 per cent YoY decrease. Despite this, Malaysia’s air cargo movements remained above pre-pandemic levels at 100.7 per cent of air cargo movements during the first quarter of 2019.
MAVCOM, Executive Chairman, Datuk Seri Hj. Saripuddin Hj. Kasim expressed optimism about the continued recovery and growth of the aviation industry in the second quarter of 2024, despite recent flight cancellations and reroutings due to tensions in the Middle East. He highlighted the sector’s resilience and commitment to consumer protection measures and regulatory oversight amid the ongoing challenges.
