Senai international airport buzzing with travellers rushing to fly home for CNY
20 Jan 2023 05:15pm
The Chinese community will celebrate the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Rabbit on Sunday (Jan 22) - BERNAMA
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A Bernama survey found that the airport, which receives an average of 9,000 people a day during festive and school holiday periods, had been congested since 8 am, although the situation here was under control.
The airport, it was understood, had also added 44 domestic and international flights in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebration.
Forty-five-year-old Lim Eng Kooi, who will be celebrating the Chinese New Year with his family in Selangor, said he had made early preparations to return to his home town as he knew that this year’s festival would be more keenly celebrated and that many would also use the opportunity to go on holidays with their families.
"I had planned this trip since last year... feeling excited because after the country was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic for several years, we finally get to go back and celebrate with our families.
"So, to all who are celebrating the Chinese New Year with their families, I wish you all happiness always but, at the same time, take care of your safety too. Hopefully, the COVID-19 pandemic will end soon,” said the father of two when met by Bernama today.
His wife, Te Chei Yean, 40, said the high costs of the flight tickets were only to be expected due to the festive period.
"The flight tickets cost about RM400 per person from Johor to Kuala Lumpur, but you can actually get them much cheaper if you book them early.
"However, we expected the price increase as it’s a normal occurrence... the important thing is that we have a smooth and safe journey,” she said.
Meanwhile, the rush to return to their home towns has been a boon for vendors at the airport, such as Pondok Kueh JB, which has been doing brisk business since this morning.
"Passengers will usually have their breakfast and afternoon tea here and it’s no different during the festive periods.
"We are open daily, so we always have customers stopping by for the various types of food that we sell, such as traditional kuih, nasi lemak, cakes and so on,” said Pondok Kueh JB stall owner Diana Abdul Rahman - BERNAMA
