SEPANG - Penang International Airport welcomed the arrival of two global carriers in October last month. Qatar Airways resumed its Doha-Phuket-Penang route with daily flights while Thai Airways International made its debut by introducing new daily services to Bangkok. These additions serve as a testament to the resurgence of travel tourism in the region.
In October 2023, the Malaysia Airports’ (the Group) local operations recorded 6.8 million passenger movements, representing 67% of the Group's total of 10.2 million. The balance 33% was contributed by its asset in Türkiye - Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW) - which handled 3.3 million passenger movements. As at year-to-date (YTD), the Group has registered a total of 98.9 million passenger movements i.e. 84.7% of pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
The Group's operations in Malaysia reported equally strong performance last month for both international and domestic sectors at 3.4 million passenger movements respectively. The international sector saw a 3.6% growth over September 2023 due to the 3.3% increase in airlines seat capacity offered in October 2023. The increase in international passenger movements was also supported by new services from KL International Airport to Zhangjiajie, China by Batik Air Malaysia; Kertajati, Indonesia by Malaysia Airlines; and Padang, Indonesia by Super Air Jet.
Domestic passenger movements in Malaysia for October 2023 reached 80.3% of 2019 levels at 3.4 million passengers. The average load factor for the domestic sector was 81.5%, the second highest to-date, after August 2023 that recorded 82.2%.
Meanwhile at SAW, the airport recorded 1.7 million and 1.6 million for international and domestic passenger movements respectively. SAW’s performance at 3.3 million passenger movements for October 2023 increased by 4.7% above 2019 levels.
As the year draws to a close, the Group's operational performance in terms of air traffic movements in October 2023 signals yet another promising trajectory for the aviation industry's continued recovery.