Kota bharu: The newly expanded Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR) in Kota Bharu handled 562,081 passenger movements between January and April this year, marking a 3.9 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) reported that KBR recorded 131,099 passenger movements in April alone. This increase highlights the successful expansion and operational launch of the airport, contributing to enhanced connectivity and passenger traffic in the East Coast region.

International passenger movements at KBR saw a steady rise, reaching 4,562 passengers during the first four months of 2026. The airport's monthly international traffic rose to 1,381 passengers in April, up from 873 in January. Currently, KBR serves an international route to Singapore via Scoot, and a new international connection to Jakarta is set to launch in June through AirAsia.

MAHB noted that the airport expansion significantly increased KBR's capacity, allowing it to accommodate more passengers comfortably and provide a smoother travel experience. With upgraded facilities and enhanced passenger handling capabilities, KBR is now well-positioned to support future traffic growth and regional connectivity.

Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani, MAHB's managing director, stated that the continued growth of the airport network reflects the strength of the company's long-term strategy. This strategy is driven by key infrastructure developments, including the KBR expansion, supporting their commitment to building a more connected and competitive airport network that aids national growth, tourism, trade, and connectivity.

Meanwhile, MAHB reported that the local airport network recorded 8.1 million passenger movements in April, with a year-to-date total of 35.5 million, representing a 7.4 percent increase from the same period last year. Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) handled 5.2 million passenger movements in April and 22.1 million in the first four months of the year, showing a 10.9 percent year-on-year increase.

However, MAHB noted a 10.6 percent decline in passenger movements across the local airport network in April compared to March, while KLIA experienced a 7.2 percent month-on-month decrease. This decline was largely anticipated due to the high travel demand during the Hari Raya festive period in March and operational adjustments by several airlines amid the ongoing situation in the Middle East.