Malaysia’s international passenger traffic improvement helps restore confidence

A sense of confidence appears to be returning to the travel industry in Malaysia as international passenger traffic across Malaysia Airports Group’s Malaysia operations rose almost 10% to 4.5 million movements in July 2026. The northern summer travel season across Europe, the Middle East and parts of Asia provided a boost, as did the introduction of two new airlines at KL International Airport (KLIA). However, domestic traveller numbers declined, as airlines continued to optimise capacity in response to operating costs and changing market demand.

International passenger traffic is still popular

…. International traffic continues to provide a positive counterbalance to softer domestic movements. While passenger traffic will vary across markets and periods, our focus remains on strengthening connectivity and ensuring that our airports are ready to support changing travel demand.Malaysia Airports MD Mohd Izani Ghani

“He added that Malaysia Airports continues to improve the journey for passengers across the network, explaining that these improvements, together with the addition of new airline services, are part of the ongoing work to make their airports easier and more convenient to travel through.

New Airlines, new facilities

Connectivity also expanded further in July with the addition of two new airlines to the Arrival/Departure screens. AirBorneo’s inaugural flight  of their twice-daily direct services from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur on 20th July was matched by commencement of their daily service from Kuching to Singapore on 22nd July.

They were followed by Riyadh Air, which launched three-times-weekly direct services from Riyadh to Kuala Lumpur on 31st July. These additional services provide passengers with more travel options while further strengthening KLIA’s domestic and international network.

Outside Kuala Lumpur’s KLIA, Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (KBR) in Kota Bharu continued to build its own international traffic following the introduction of a Kota Bharu–Jakarta service in June, with international passenger movements at KBR seeing a rise to more than 6,200 in July, an increase of 54.1% from the preceding month.

Passenger-focused improvements completed during the month continued to grow, seeing refreshed check-in counters at Sibu Airport (SBW), a new cat-themed playground at Kuching International Airport (KCH) and additional charging points along with a new tiger-themed playground at KLIA Terminal 2. Passengers will have noticed improvements in restrooms across both KLIA terminals, which have received a five-star rating from the Sepang Municipal Council. Travellers staying at Sama-Sama Hotel KLIA should check if they’re eligible to complete part of the departure process before proceeding to the terminal for baggage drop after check-in and baggage tag printing services were introduced at the hotel.

For those following the repairs at on the collapsed ceiling at Kuching Airport following a severe storm recently, you can get updates on their Facebook page.