MELAKA: Efforts to strengthen air connectivity through Melaka International Airport (LTAM) in Batu Berendam will be intensified over the next five years.
The Melaka Legislative Assembly was told on Monday (July 13) that plans include introducing new domestic and international flight routes.
Melaka works, infrastructure, public amenities and transport committee chairman Datuk Hameed Mytheen Kunju Basheer said the priority of LTAM during the period would be to maintain high operational, safety and service standards. This is to support the anticipated growth in air traffic.
He said the initiative would be reinforced through strategic collaboration with the Transport Ministry, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), tourism agencies, airlines and other industry stakeholders.
"This approach is expected to increase passenger numbers while further stimulating the state's tourism industry and economy," he said.
Hameed said LTAM was designed to handle up to 500,000 passengers annually, although its current operations remain well below that capacity.
He said a total of 39,222 passengers used the airport throughout 2025. Based on MAHB's projections, LTAM is only expected to reach its full design capacity over the longer term.
"As such, there are currently no plans for major physical developments such as expanding the terminal building or extending the runway, as the existing infrastructure is sufficient to support current operational requirements," he said.
Hameed said the existing runway of LTAM is capable of accommodating Code 4C aircraft, including the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, which have flight ranges of up to six hours.
He said the capability allows the airport to serve major destinations across the region, including Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing in China, as well as India, South Korea, Japan and Taiwan.
"The state government is actively undertaking strategic negotiations with several airlines, including low-cost carriers, to establish new international routes.
"The primary focus of these plans is to activate regional markets while strengthening links with high-value investment and tourism markets through LTAM," he said.
