Kuala Lumpur poised to become Asia-Pacific’s key aviation hub

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (Photo: nst.com.my)

Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is pursuing a strategy to establish Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) as a key hub in the Asia-Pacific region by intensifying efforts to attract more international airlines.

MAHB chief aviation and strategy officer Megat Ardian Wira Mohd Aminuddin said the airport operator is targeting 12 foreign airlines to fly to Malaysia this year, a goal similar to what it successfully achieved in 2024.

Megat Ardian shared that MAHB has been actively working with global carriers over the last two years through airline networking events such as Routes World and Routes Asia, as well as direct visits to airline headquarters.

It now takes a more holistic approach with the input from its new shareholders by looking at both airline and passenger behaviours, including loyalty usage and passenger segmentation.

He added that the team is currently in talks with several European national carriers that do not yet serve KLIA, while also maintaining engagements with airlines in China and the Middle East.

KLIA recorded 30 million passengers in the first half of 2025, a nearly 10% increase compared to the same period in 2024, with average load factors hovering around 78%.

While KLIA remains MAHB's central focus, Megat Ardian said other local international airports such as Penang International Airport, Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Langkawi International Airport and Kuching International Airport are also playing supporting roles.

KLIA is the gateway and hub for international connectivity, but the regional airports are evolving and feeding into the ecosystem. Each has its own development plan under Malaysia Airports Sdn Bhd, he added./.

VNA