VM2026: International flight surge cements Malaysia’s status as regional gateway

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Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) recorded 4.9 million passenger movements in May 2026, including 3.6 million international passengers, a two per cent increase compared to May 2025. BERNAMA file photo

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd records strong passenger growth in May 2026, driven by expanded China flight paths and key airport upgrades for Visit Malaysia 2026.

KUALA LUMPUR - The continued growth in international traffic reinforces Malaysia's position as a key regional gateway under the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, according to Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB).

The airport operator said in a statement today that Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) recorded 4.9 million passenger movements in May 2026, including 3.6 million international passengers, a two per cent increase compared to May 2025. 

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Across the Malaysia Airports network, total passenger movements reached 7.9 million during the month, supported by sustained international connectivity.

"The introduction of Hainan Airlines' direct service between Chongqing and Kuala Lumpur further strengthens our connectivity with China, one of Malaysia's key visitor markets. 

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"Expanding strategic air links such as these remains important in supporting tourism growth and enhancing Malaysia's accessibility to international travellers," said MAHB managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani. 

MAHB said several passenger-focused improvements were also completed during the month, including modernised check-in counters at Miri Airport (MYY) and Limbang Airport (LMN), an expanded e-hailing pick-up zone at Langkawi International Airport (LGK), and the completion of the first phase of restroom refurbishment works at Subang Airport (SZB).

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Malaysia Airports’ wholly-owned international asset in Turkiye, Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (ISG), handled 4.1 million passengers in May, representing a 10.8 per cent increase compared to April 2026. - BERNAMA