In 2022, Malaysia's passenger traffic increased significantly, reaching 52.7 million passenger movements, up from 10.72 million in 2021, over all local networks of airports run by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB).
After the interstate travel restriction was lifted on October 11 of last year, domestic passenger movements recovery momentum continued in 2022, recording 36.2 million passengers for the year, achieving 69.6% of 2019 levels.
After 17 airlines restored service to 32 cities, "international passenger movements recorded a total of 16.5 million passengers," according to a statement from MAHB released today. The countries with the biggest traffic were Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, South Korea, Vietnam, and India.
The airport operator claimed that the addition of new routes by 27 airlines to 38 locations contributed to the yearly boost in passenger movements.
Denpasar-Bali, Lahore, Ujung Padang, Male, Brisbane, Bangkok, Perth, Phuket, Batam, and Bangalore were among the cities with the biggest growth in 2022 compared to 2021.
According to the report, 59 airlines overall flew to 84 foreign and 35 domestic locations last year, up from 48 airlines that flew to 51 international and 32 domestic destinations the year before.
According to MAHB, the year-end holiday season contributed to the significant 31 percent increase from the month before, which enabled the group to reach 50 percent of 2019 levels for Malaysia operations. December saw the highest monthly passenger movements for 2022 with a total of 6.8 million passengers.
It stated that of the 6.8 million, "2.9 million were international passengers, the largest reported to date since the border reopening in April; and 3.9 million were local passengers, a 33 percent increase from November 2022."
Langkawi International Airport and Kota Kinabalu International Airport saw the biggest percentage increases in travelers among the five international airports, at 51% and 39%, respectively.
Source: TheStar
