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SEPANG – Malaysia Airports managing director, Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani, has been appointed as a Director on Airports Council International’s (ACI) Asia-Pacific & Middle East Regional Board for a three-year term, starting on 1 January 2025, marking a significant achievement for both Dato’ Mohd Izani and Malaysia Airports in its ongoing efforts to shape the future of aviation.
ACI is the world's leading airport advocacy organisation, representing nearly 2,000 airports worldwide. It plays a key role in promoting airport excellence, safety and sustainability, advocating for industry-wide policies that benefit airports of all sizes.
In this role, Dato’ Mohd Izani will collaborate with fellow board members to address key issues concerning airports in the region today. These include deliberating on comprehensive solutions for airport charges and economic regulations, enhancing slot management efficiency to accommodate growing
air traffic demand, and promoting innovation and technological advancements in airport systems and facilities to enhance the overall airport experience. The board is also actively involved in advancing sustainable practices within the sector.
Dato’ Mohd Izani's recent appointment further underscores Malaysia Airports' position as a leading player in the international aviation community. By being a part of this influential platform, Malaysia Airports is further solidifying its commitment to shaping global best practices and contributing to the growth and excellence of the global aviation industry.
SEPANG- For 3Q24, Malaysia Airports (the Group) recorded a total of 36.1 million passenger movements, representing a year-on-year increase of 10.6% compared to 32.6 million passengers in 3Q23. This performance is nearing pre-pandemic levels, reaching 97.7% of the passenger traffic recorded during the same period in 2019. Notably, international passenger numbers have surpassed 3Q19 levels by 7.4%, with 18.9 million passengers. In contrast, the domestic sector experienced more modest growth, recording 17.2 million passengers and achieving 88.9% of the levels recorded in 2019. The improved traffic performance was largely driven by international passenger movements, the introduction of new airlines and routes, visa exemptions for travelers from China and India, and the steady increase in air travel demand.
The Group’s network of local airports demonstrated encouraging performance in 3Q24, with international passenger movements consistently surpassing 4 million each month. In September 2024, international passenger numbers hit 99.3% of 2019 levels. Overall, total passenger movements at the airports in Malaysia for 3Q24 reached 24.8 million, representing 92.3% of the levels recorded in 2019.
This growth on the local front was primarily driven by several factors, including the introduction of five new airlines—9 Air (AQ), Air India (AI), AirAsia Cambodia (KT), Lucky Air (8L), and Qingdao Airlines (QW), along with the addition of 197 weekly flight frequencies compared to 2024. The extension of the 30-day visa-free entry for visitors from Mainland China until December 2025 also led to a significant increase in passenger numbers, with weekly flight frequencies exceeding 3Q19 levels by 24.8%. The India sector rebounded to 90% of 2019 levels, further highlighting an increase in travel demand.
September 2024 saw AirAsia (AK) expand operations from KL International Airport (KUL) to Labuan Bajo Komodo Airport (LBJ) and Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (LKO), as well as from Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) to Manado International Airport (MDC) and Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG). Additionally, Batik Air Malaysia (OD) launched daily flights to Hatyai International Airport (HDY) and Krabi International Airport (KBV), while Malaysia Airlines (MH) commenced daily flights to Da Nang International Airport (DAD). Subang Airport (SZB) welcomed Scoot (TR), which launched daily flights on 1 September 2024. This new service contributed to a 42.5% increase in international passenger movements at SZB for September 2024 compared to the previous month, which saw the resumption of jet operations.
Meanwhile, the Group’s Türkish asset, Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) recorded 11.3 million passengers in 3Q24, a 12.0% increase over the same period in 2019. This growth was driven by international passenger movements, with 1.9 million passengers in September, up 43.7% from 2019 levels. New routes by Pegasus Airlines (PC) to Isfahan Shahid Beheshti International Airport (IFN) and Shiraz International Airport (SYZ) in Iran, and Sevi le Airport (SVQ), Spain, further enhanced SAW’s connectivity. Domestic passenger movements reached 5.4 million, up 2.7% from the previous quarter.
Passenger movements are expected to remain robust, fueled by network expansion and seasonal demand.
SEPANG- Malaysia Airports (the Group) welcomed nine exceptional tertiary students into its Educational Scholarship Program (ESP) 2024 at an award ceremony today. As part of the Group’s ongoing Corporate Responsibility (CR) initiatives, the ESP has been instrumental in nurturing 54 outstanding students since its inception in 2010. 22 former scholars are now part of the organisation, contributing to key areas such as Engineering, Operations, Finance, Information Technology, and Human Capital.
Malaysia Airports’ Managing Director, Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani, emphasised the long-term vision of the ESP as a cornerstone of the company’s commitment to shaping future leaders and innovators, “We are not just offering financial support through this programme, but we are investing in the potential of these young individuals to drive transformation and progress for both Malaysia Airports and the country. Our aim is to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to excel in their chosen fields. The success of our 22 former scholars, now thriving within the organisation, is a testament to this vision. We are confident that the next generation of scholars will continue to push boundaries and redefine excellence.”
This year, Malaysia Airports received 432 applications from students across various institutions and fields. After a rigorous selection process, 63 candidates were shortlisted based on their academic achievements and current CGPA. Ultimately, nine scholars were selected after participating in comprehensive assessment activities and interview sessions.
Through this scholarship program, scholars receive comprehensive support, including coverage for registration and tuition fees, living allowance, book allowance, and funding for thesis and project papers. Additionally, they will receive a laptop each to facilitate their studies and enhance their learning
experience.
These scholars will have access to internship opportunities and semester break assignments at Malaysia Airports. The programme includes tailored soft skills training to enhance critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership abilities, along with networking opportunities to engage directly with management and industry experts. Scholars will also benefit from career mentorship and knowledge-sharing sessions with employed alumni, ensuring a strong support system as they prepare for their future careers.
Sepang- Malaysia Airports and Beijing Daxing International Airport (BDIA) have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote knowledge exchange in airport management, technology, and innovation. The signing was celebrated during a document exchange ceremony at Beijing Capital International Airport, held alongside the 9th Beijing Global Friend Airports CE Forum. The event was attended by Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani, Managing Director of Malaysia Airports, and Mr. Li YongBing, Acting President of CAH BDIA.
The MoU marks a key milestone for both airport operators, underscoring their commitment to global excellence. By sharing best practices in passenger processing, digital solutions, and sustainability, Malaysia Airports aims to enhance the travel experience and stay competitive. The partnership also focuses on leveraging BDIA’s expertise in green initiatives to reduce carbon footprints and drive eco-friendly operations.
Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani, Managing Director of Malaysia Airports, stated, “This partnership augurs well to position Malaysia as a key aviation hub, as we continue to work towards offering passengers enhanced convenience and expanded travel options. It aligns seamlessly with our vision to extend Malaysia Airports' global footprint while fostering stronger ties that benefit not only the aviation industry but also the broader economic relations between our nations.”
This strategic partnership will boost joint marketing efforts to position both airports as leading international hubs, while also exploring new flight routes and expanding connectivity between Malaysia and China. As a major gateway in Beijing, BDIA serves 180 destinations with 190 airlines, making it a valuable partner in this collaboration.
Last August, Malaysia Airports had the privilege of hosting a delegation from the Beijing airports at KL International Airport (KLIA). The delegation was led by Mr. Ma Yin, Vice President of BDIA, alongside Mr. Mu Jianliang, Vice President of Capital Airports Holdings Technology Management Co. Ltd., Ms. Xiong Ying, Chief Information Officer of Beijing Capital International Airport.
The two teams engaged in a productive roundtable discussion, sharing valuable insights on operational practices and technology research and development. Both sides expressed strong interest in continuing the dialogue and collaborating further, which ultimately led to the recent MoU signing between the two airports.
This partnership is particularly significant as Malaysia and China celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations in 2024, and builds on the existing strategic partnership between the two nations. The MOU sets the stage for both airport operators to work in synergy towards fostering economic growth, tourism, and connectivity, ultimately strengthening Malaysia and China as key players in the global aviation landscape.