KLIA Rises to 2nd Busiest Airport in Southeast Asia
Kuala Lumpur, Sept 19 (VoM): Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) has surged to become the second busiest airport in Southeast Asia, climbing from fourth place just six months ago.
According to global travel data provider OAG Aviation, KLIA recorded 3.32 million departing seats in August, up from 3.02 million in March, marking a 10% increase. Singapore’s Changi Airport retained the top spot with 3.58 million departing seats.
Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) said KLIA’s growth was driven by the addition of new airlines, expanded routes, and Malaysia’s visa-free travel policy for Chinese and Indian nationals.
“KLIA now connects to 117 international destinations, up from 105 last year, with **66 airlines operating this year compared to 59 previously,” said MAHB managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani.
Among the new airlines at KLIA are British Airways (which resumed flights in April after a five-year hiatus), Juneyao Air, Jiangxi Air, Lucky Air, Fits Air, and Hainan Airlines.
Terminal 1 currently serves 52 airlines, while Terminal 2 hosts 14 carriers, including AirAsia, which continues to expand aggressively.
Malaysia’s visa-free entry for Chinese and Indian tourists, valid until Dec 31, 2026, has also spurred passenger traffic. “This move has boosted passenger volumes and strengthened KLIA’s role as a regional transit hub,” said Mohd Izani.
Aviation experts say local carriers are also playing a vital role. Malaysia Airlines recently resumed its Paris Charles de Gaulle route, while AirAsia has expanded its regional footprint.
Assoc. Prof. Major Dr. Mohd Harridon Mohamed Suffian from Universiti Kuala Lumpur highlighted that “the return of the Paris route reflects KLIA’s strengthening financial viability and international appeal.”
Endau Analytics founder Shukor Yusof added that AirAsia’s expansion from Terminal 2 and Malaysia Airlines’ increased flights to India have fueled the airport’s growth.
KLIA also ranked fourth in capacity growth among ASEAN airports, recording a 7.5% year-on-year increase in August. Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport led the list with a 13% surge.
Most Southeast Asian international flights, about 60%, head to other Asia Pacific destinations, with China, India, and Japan remaining key markets.
To cater to rising passenger numbers, MAHB is investing RM30 million in upgrades at Terminal 1. Enhancements include new seating, modern trolleys, family parking bays, improved signage, and cultural showcases.
Terminal 2 is also being enhanced with extensive shopping and dining facilities, creating what experts describe as “a commercial hub within the airport.”
Prof. Mohd Harridon noted that while KLIA has developed into a world-class hub, improvements to check-in and security clearance could further raise efficiency. “Streamlining these processes would improve the airport’s on-time performance,” he said.