PUTRAJAYA: Air passenger traffic in 2024 hit 97.1 million passengers, a 14.3% year-on-year increase that pointed towards continued recovery in the country's aviation sector, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
According to Loke, this was in line with the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) projected 95.4 million to 97.6 million passengers.
“This represents 89% of 2019, equating to 109.3 million passengers at pre-pandemic levels.
“It only took us three years (to show recovery),” said Loke during a press conference at the Transport Ministry on Wednesday (Jan 15).
According to Loke, the increase is driven by Asean and international travellers, which registered a growth of 19.8% and 38.9%, respectively.
“Several factors, such as increased flight seats, visa exemption for Indian and Chinese tourists, and increased connectivity between China, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Australia and Gulf countries drive this growth.
“2024 also saw several airlines launching new routes, such as to Kazakhstan and Kenya,” said Loke.
Loke also said all main airports in Malaysia registered growth last year, where the Kuala Lumpur International Airport registered 20% growth, Kota Kinabalu International Airport (13.1%), Penang International Airport (12.8%), Senai International Airport (11.3%), Langkawi International Airport (1.8%), Kuching International Airport (1%).
Loke also said Mavcom projected air travel traffic in Malaysia to record between 105.8 million and 112.9 million passengers 2025.
