MELAKA: Air connectivity through Melaka International Airport (LTAM) will be intensified over the next five years, with plans to introduce new domestic and international flight routes.
State works, infrastructure, public amenities and transport committee chairman Datuk Hameed Mytheen Kunju Basheer said LTAM’s priority during the period would be to maintain high operational, safety and service standards 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 Bhd (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 told the State Legislative Assembly yesterday.
Hameed said LTAM was designed to handle up to 500,000 passengers annually, although its current operations remained well below that capacity.
He said 39,222 passengers used the airport in 2025 and based on MAHB’s projections, LTAM was only expected to reach its full design capacity in the longer term.
“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.”
Hameed said LTAM’s existing runway was capable of accommodating Code 4C aircraft, including the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, which have a flight range of up to six hours.
He said this allowed 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.”
