MAHB expects three more international airlines for KL by year-end, alongside Lufthansa return

Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) expects three more international airlines to begin flights to Kuala Lumpur by year-end, in addition to Lufthansa’s planned return in October. — Bernama pic

First Published: Saturday, 12 Sep 2026 11:08 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 12 — Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) expects another three international airlines to commence flights to Kuala Lumpur by the end of this year, further strengthening the city’s connectivity as a regional aviation hub.

Its managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani said the development would be in addition to German-based Lufthansa Airlines’ planned return to Kuala Lumpur this October.

“In terms of connectivity, we have many new airlines coming (to Kuala Lumpur) this year. For example, Lufthansa Airlines is coming to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 in October, so we are excited about it.

“(Including Lufthansa), we are expecting four (international) airlines from now until the end of the year. We will announce (the details of the airlines) soon,” he told Bernama at the sidelines of MAHB Official Visit to Wisma Bernama on Friday.

Mohd Izani and MAHB management were received by Bernama Chairman Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, Chief Executive Officer Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, and Editor-in-Chief Arul Rajoo Durar Raj.

The delegation was also received by Deputy Editor-in-Chief (News Service) Mohd Shukri Ishak, Deputy Editor-in-Chief (Economic News Service) Harlina Samson, and other senior officials.

The official visit provided a good opportunity for the MAHB team to come together with Bernama, exchange ideas and explore areas of collaboration, he said.

Meanwhile, Mohd Izani said MAHB remained mindful of external factors, including uncertain weather conditions and geopolitical developments, which could impact its operations, while prioritising the continuity of air connectivity.

“We are mindful of the (uncertain weather conditions) situation. Again, our objective is to make sure that connectivity continues.

“We continue to promote Malaysia. As you know, the crisis in West Asia did have some impact, but based on our numbers in July, (air traffic) has improved, and hopefully in the coming months until the end of the year, we will continue to improve,” he said.

He also welcomed the government’s announcement that 2027 would also be designated as a Visit Malaysia Year, saying the initiative would benefit both KLIA and the country by strengthening the airport’s role as a gateway for international visitors to Malaysia.

On July 22, MAHB recorded 51 million passenger movements across its Malaysian airport network in the first half of financial year 2026, an increase of 1.8 per cent from the same period last year.

It said the positive performance was driven by sustained international travel demand despite weaker domestic traffic. — Bernama