Airports prepared to meet surge of travellers from China

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian airports are prepared to handle the influx of passengers without compromising the Covid-19 risk, says Malaysia Airports Holding Bhd (MAHB).

As China reopened its border yesterday, 11 flights from the country were scheduled to land at KL International Airport (KLIA), and two more at KLIA2, revealed the airport operator.

MAHB said various improvements including terminal facilities and services have been implemented in anticipation of the surge of Chinese travellers.

“A total of 16 shuttle buses are operating round the clock to ensure seamless passenger movements between the satellite and main terminal building as an alternative to the Aerotrain service.

“There are also helpdesks manned by Mandarin-speaking staff,” it said in a statement yesterday.

MAHB, which shares concern over the spike of Covid-19 cases throughout China, said that it would work closely with the Health Ministry and other relevant agencies to ensure the health safety of all passengers are safeguarded.

“Health safety measures at airports, which have been in place since the start of the pandemic, will continue to be diligently and faithfully implemented,” it said.

Last year, Malaysian airports recorded 143,000 international aircraft movements, and 77.6% (111,000) of them took place at KLIA.

MAHB said there had been both inbound and outbound China flights operating at KLIA since April 2022, and these had gradually increased in frequency in the last quarter of the year.

The number is expected to increase even more this year following the easing of travel restrictions by the Chinese government, it added.