Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s air passenger traffic achieved a significant milestone, reaching 9.2 million in January 2025, marking a 28.2 percent increase from January 2024, according to the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MAVCOM announced that January’s air passenger traffic stood at 106.1 percent of January 2019 levels, surpassing pre-pandemic volumes for the first time. This highlights the ongoing expansion of Malaysia’s aviation sector. The commission’s statement indicated a 3.8 percent month-on-month growth from December 2024 and a 28.2 percent year-on-year rise from January 2024, showcasing sustained momentum in both domestic and international travel.
MAVCOM detailed that domestic passenger traffic reached 4.4 million, showing a 6.9 percent month-on-month increase and a 32.7 percent year-on-year growth. International passenger traffic was recorded at 4.8 million, reflecting a 1.2 percent month-on-month decline but a 24.4 percent year-on-year increase. The growth in international traffic was primarily driven by non-ASEAN markets, which saw 2.6 million passengers, demonstrating a 7.1 percent month-on-month increase and a 34.9 percent year-on-year growth.
The report noted significant year-on-year growth at several major airports, with Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) seeing a 25.6 percent increase and Langkawi International Airport (LGK) posting a 27.5 percent rise. Penang International Airport (PEN) grew by 27.9 percent, while Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) experienced a 34.5 percent increase. Senai International Airport (JHB) recorded the highest year-on-year growth at 41.8 percent, followed by Kuching International Airport (KCH), which posted a 23.0 percent increase.
MAVCOM attributed this robust growth to increased travel demand during the Chinese New Year and school holiday season, along with the restoration of seat capacity on both international and domestic routes. The commission also highlighted the impact of 30-day visa exemptions for tourists from China and India, which boosted inbound travel. Expanded international connectivity, including new routes such as Kuala Lumpur-Dali (China) and Tawau-Singapore, contributed to the rising passenger volumes.
MAVCOM executive chairman Datuk Seri Saripuddin Kasim emphasized the resilience of Malaysia’s aviation sector and its growing importance in regional connectivity. He announced plans to introduce an upgraded performance dashboard to enhance transparency and accountability, providing deeper insights into key airline and airport metrics. This initiative aims to uphold service quality and operational standards, offering valuable data-driven insights to support both passengers and industry stakeholders.