Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) expects three more international airlines to begin flights to Kuala Lumpur by the end of 2026, adding to Lufthansa Airlines’ planned return to the city in October.
MAHB managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani said the four airlines would further strengthen Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s (KLIA) connectivity, with details of the three additional carriers to be announced soon.
“In terms of connectivity, we have many new airlines coming to Kuala Lumpur this year,” he told Bernama during MAHB’s official visit to Wisma Bernama on Friday.
Lufthansa is scheduled to resume operations at KLIA Terminal 1 in October, bringing the total number of expected international airline additions to four by year-end.
Mohd Izani said MAHB remained mindful of external risks, including unpredictable weather and geopolitical developments, which could affect airport operations and air traffic.
He said passenger traffic improved in July despite the impact of the West Asia conflict, with MAHB expecting the recovery to continue through the rest of the year.
MAHB recorded 51 million passenger movements across its Malaysian airport network in the first half of financial year 2026, an increase of 1.8% from the same period last year. The growth was supported by sustained international travel demand, which offset weaker domestic traffic.
Mohd Izani also welcomed the government’s decision to designate 2027 as another Visit Malaysia Year, saying it would support KLIA’s role as a key gateway for international visitors.
