Kuala lumpur: Malaysia Airports' domestic network saw 9.4 million passenger movements in January 2026, the opening month of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VMY 2026), said Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Penang International Airport (PEN) recorded the highest year-on-year growth within the network. KLIA led with 5.9 million passenger movements, marking an 8.2 percent increase, followed by PEN with 741,183 passengers, reflecting a 3.8 percent rise.

MAHB managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani noted that the growth underscores robust travel demand and Malaysia's expanding regional connectivity. He stated that the group aims to position Malaysia as the most connected country in the Asia-Pacific region.

The focus remains on upgrading infrastructure and strengthening network connectivity to maintain consistent service standards across all airports. Enhancements are part of a proactive approach to ensure capacity, reliability, and service quality match the pace of growth.

In January, service improvements included the launch of RIMBA @ KLIA at the Satellite Building of KLIA Terminal 1, providing a nature-inspired rest area for passengers. The vehicle access management systems achieved a 99 percent compliance rate, enhancing traffic flow at drop-off and pick-up points.

Connectivity also expanded with the introduction of at least six new routes in January, directly linking Malaysia with Shanghai, Jinan, Hong Kong, Hefei, Guangzhou, and Harbin. These services connect to Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, and Penang, supporting tourism and regional economic growth.