MAVCOM Reports Sustained Growth in Air Passenger Traffic for August 2024

Expansions in Route Networks and Strategic Policies Fuel Robust Year-on-Year Increases

The Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) today announced the latest air passenger traffic statistics for August 2024, indicating continued robust growth across both international and domestic sectors.

In August 2024, air passenger traffic amounted to 8.7 million, a robust 12.7 per cent year-on-year (YoY) increase from the 7.7 million passengers recorded in August 2023, alongside a slight 1.5 per cent month-on-month (MoM) decrease from July 2024's 8.8 million passengers.

This growth was driven primarily by a surge in international travel, fuelled by the expansion of international routes and the introduction of new flights. Notable new routes launched in August include flights from Kuala Lumpur to Ningbo, Karipur, and Guwahati, as well as from Kota Kinabalu to Ningbo and Bali. The introduction of visa exemptions for tourists from China and India, coupled with these new connections, has significantly increased international traffic, bringing August 2024's figures to 90.2 per cent of the traffic levels recorded in August 2019, with international routes leading the recovery.

Domestic air passenger traffic in August 2024, which accounted for 48.6 per cent of the total, stood at 4.2 million passengers. This represented a slight 1.3 per cent MoM decrease from July 2024 but a 2.2 per cent YoY increase from August 2023, reaching 84.7 per cent of August 2019's traffic of 5.0 million.

International air passenger traffic contributed 51.4 per cent of the total, with 4.5 million passengers in August 2024. Out of the 4.5 million passengers, 2.3 million was contributed by the international non-ASEAN region, whilst the remaining 2.2 million was by the ASEAN region. The international non-ASEAN region experienced the highest growth compared to other regions, with an increase of 34.6 per cent YoY. Overall, the total international air passenger traffic saw a rise of 1.7 per cent MoM decrease and a significant 24.7 per cent YoY increase, reaching 96.1 per cent of August 2019's levels, indicating a near-complete recovery.

Major airports saw positive growth in air passenger traffic compared to August 2023. KL International Airport (KUL) recorded a 20.1 per cent YoY increase, Penang International Airport (PEN) saw a 11.9 per cent rise, Langkawi International Airport (LGK) reported a 8.3 per cent increase, while Senai International Airport (JHB) and Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) posted YoY increases of 4.4 per cent and 9.0 per cent, respectively. Meanwhile, as of year-to-date (YTD), the international passengers in Kuching International Airport (KCH) experienced a significant growth of 25 per cent YoY.

For the first 8 months of 2024, cumulative air passenger traffic reached 64.1 million passengers, in line with MAVCOM's forecast. International traffic continues to be a key driver, constituting 51.4 per cent of the total year-to-date passenger traffic, while domestic traffic accounted for 48.6 per cent.

Datuk Seri Hj. Saripuddin Hj. Kasim, Executive Chairman of MAVCOM, stated, "The August 2024 traffic figures reflect the resilience and continued momentum within Malaysia's aviation sector, particularly in international travel. Despite a modest monthly decline, the strong year-on-year growth underlines the sector's robust recovery. With restored international seat capacity, visa exemptions for key markets, and the introduction of new routes, we are optimistic about the sector's ability to meet MAVCOM's full-year passenger forecast. MAVCOM remains committed to ensuring the sustainable growth of the sector while empowering industry players to maintain high service standards as we safeguard consumer rights."