Robust travel demand, visa exemptions, and new routes drive continued aviation sector growth

KUALA LUMPUR, 6 March 2025 – The Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) today announced Malaysia’s air passenger traffic performance for January 2025, recording 9.2 million passengers. January’s air passenger traffic reached 106.1 per cent of January 2019 levels, marking the first time it has exceeded pre-pandemic volumes and highlighting the continued growth of Malaysia’s aviation sector.

Passenger volumes grew 3.8 per cent month-on-month (MoM) from December 2024 and 28.2 per cent year-on-year (YoY) from January 2024, reflecting continued momentum in both domestic and international travel.

Domestic air passenger traffic stood at 4.4 million, registering a 6.9 per cent MoM increase and 32.7 per cent YoY growth. International air passenger traffic stood at 4.8 million, showing a 1.2 per cent MoM decline but a 24.4 per cent YoY increase. International traffic growth was largely fuelled by non-ASEAN markets, which saw 2.6 million passengers, representing a 7.1 per cent MoM increase and 34.9 per cent YoY growth. Meanwhile, ASEAN traffic stood at 2.3 million, reflecting a 4.8 per cent MoM decline, yet maintaining a 14.2 per cent YoY increase, highlighting sustained regional connectivity. In January 2025, international air passenger traffic accounted for 52.3 per cent of total traffic, while domestic traffic made up 47.7 per cent.

Malaysia’s key airports continued to record strong double-digit YoY growth in January 2025, further solidifying the recovery trajectory. KL International Airport (KUL) recorded a 25.6 per cent YoY increase, while Langkawi International Airport (LGK) posted a 27.5 per cent increase. Penang International Airport (PEN) grew by 27.9 per cent, while Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) saw a 34.5 per cent increase. Senai International Airport (JHB) recorded the highest YoY growth at 41.8 per cent, followed by Kuching International Airport (KCH), which posted a 23.0 per cent increase.

This robust growth was primarily driven by strong travel demand during the Chinese New Year and school holiday season, as well as the restoration of international and domestic seat capacity. The 30-day visa exemptions for tourists from China and India also continued to boost inbound travel, contributing to overall passenger growth. Expanded international connectivity, including new routes such as Kuala Lumpur–Dali (China) and Tawau–Singapore, also contributed to rising passenger volumes.

Datuk Seri Hj. Saripuddin Hj. Kasim, Executive Chairman of MAVCOM, commented, “The continued growth in passenger traffic reflects the strength of Malaysia’s aviation sector and its increasing role in regional connectivity. As the industry expands, MAVCOM remains focused on ensuring a well-regulated and consumer-centric aviation landscape. To further enhance transparency and accountability, we will introduce an upgraded performance dashboard that provides deeper insights into key airline and airport metrics. This initiative aligns with our commitment to upholding service quality and operational standards, supporting both passengers and industry stakeholders with valuable data-driven insights.”