Melaka: Three new flight routes, one to an international destination and two to domestic destinations, are expected to open via the Melaka International Airport (LTAM), Batu Berendam here by the end of this year. Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh announced that the proposed routes are Melaka-Batam, Indonesia, Melaka-Kota Bharu, and Melaka-Penang.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the state government is engaged in negotiations with several airlines, including a low-cost carrier, to establish these routes. The Chief Minister emphasized their intention to realize these plans within the year, contingent upon the assessments conducted by the airlines involved. This statement was made during a press briefing after his visit to LTAM, coinciding with the Melaka-Pekanbaru-Melaka flight event. The event was attended by notable figures such as Datuk Zaidi Attan, deputy exco for Tourism, Heritage, Arts and Culture, and Nasrul Ahmad, general manager of the Melaka Tourism Promotion Division.

Further discussions are underway with the federal government to ensure that LTAM's facilities align with the operational requirements of the airlines. The Chief Minister highlighted that the launch of these three flight routes is part of the state government's strategy to promote Melaka as a tourist destination, aiming to boost the tourism sector and enhance the state's economy.

Despite LTAM's smaller size compared to other airports, its facilities are efficiently managed by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad. The Chief Minister noted that Melaka hosts 150 flights daily operated by the Malaysia Flying Academy, and the new routes are expected to increase the state's aviation business. He expressed that Melaka's economic appeal has drawn interest from various airlines exploring its potential as an aviation hub.

The Chief Minister's visit to LTAM aimed to identify potential improvements to facilities, including those managed by the Immigration Department, such as check-in services and tourist arrivals.