Melaka International Airport (LTAM) is targeting the launch of three new flight routes, including an international service to Batam, Indonesia, by the end of this year as part of efforts to boost tourism and economic activity in the state.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the proposed routes are Melaka-Batam, Melaka-Kota Bharu and Melaka-Penang.
He said the state government is currently in discussions with several airlines, including a low-cost carrier, to establish the new services.
“We intend and will try our best to realise them this year, but it depends on the assessment of the airlines involved,” he said.
Ab Rauf said the state government is also working with the federal government to ensure airport facilities are able to support the operational requirements of the airlines.
He said the proposed routes form part of Melaka’s strategy to strengthen its position as a tourism destination while stimulating economic growth.
According to him, growing economic activity in the state has attracted interest from airlines looking at Melaka’s potential as an aviation hub.
Although smaller than major airports elsewhere in the country, LTAM remains active with about 150 daily flights operated by the Malaysia Flying Academy, he added.
Earlier, Ab Rauf said the visit was aimed at identifying improvements that could be made to airport facilities, including immigration, check-in services and tourist arrival processes.
