GENEVA: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) remains upbeat about Malaysia’s aviation recovery in 2026 as the country stands to benefit from the Asia-Pacific market - the world’s fastest-growing air travel region.
Although Malaysia’s international air traffic has recovered, albeit at a slower pace than the global average, IATA Director-General Willie Walsh said he was optimistic about Malaysia’s aviation prospects.
He said the gap from Malaysia’s slower pace now represents an opportunity for stronger growth next year as airlines rebuild capacity and demand continues to strengthen, including from air cargo operations.
"Malaysia is a very attractive market (and) from an international travel point of view, the recovery has been slower than global levels, but that represents an opportunity for the region in 2026,” he told Bernama during a media briefing on IATA’s global outlook in Geneva on Tuesday.
He said the outlook for the wider Asia-Pacific region remains particularly robust, with the association forecasting revenue passenger kilometre (RPK) growth of 7.2 per cent, supported by expansion in international travel.
"So far this year, international markets in Asia have grown by over 11 per cent, and that is very encouraging,” he added, noting that Asia-Pacific will be the biggest contributor to global traffic revenue next year.
Walsh also pointed out that strong air cargo prospects in the region, driven by shifting supply chains and expanding e-commerce flows, would further reinforce Malaysia’s growth prospects.
He said issues such as supply-chain bottlenecks and maintenance delays are challenges faced globally that are not unique to Southeast Asia and do not alter IATA’s positive view of Malaysia’s medium-term aviation trajectory, he said.
The Asia-Pacific region, he reiterated, continues to lead global air traffic growth, supported by recovering international demand, improving connectivity, and policy measures such as China’s recent visa-free entry arrangements. - Bernama
