KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's air passenger traffic rose 16.1 per cent year-on-year (YoY) to 22.6 million in the first quarter of 2024 (Q1 2024).
This was driven by international air traffic which surged 39.9 per cent YoY, reaching 11.9 million passengers., according to the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom).
On a quarterly basis. total air passenger traffic was up by 2.7 per cent, despite a slight decline in domestic volume by 2.5 per cent.
International air passenger traffic increased by 7.9 per cent quarter-on-quarter (QoQ).
Quarterly domestic air passenger traffic experienced a slight dip of 2.3 per cent, totalling 10.7 million passengers.
Mavcom said the growth in quarterly air traffic was recorded despite a 10 per cent month-on-monthdecline from 8.1 million in February 2024 to 7.3 million in March 2024.
The commission said industry recovery trajectory from Covid-19 indicated that the Q1 2024 reached 85.5 per cent of 2019 levels, with international air traffic recovery at 89.3 per cent and domestic at 81.7 per cent.
"As we review the air traffic figures for the 1Q1 2024, it is clear that the aviation sector is on a robust path to recovery.
"Airlines have shifted their attention to restoring and adding new international destinations in their networks, and the establishment of 30-day visa exemptions for tourists from China and India has provided a conducive environment for the accelerated return of international air travel.
"Additionally, despite a reduction in air cargo movements in the first quarter, Malaysia's air cargo movements have remained above pre-pandemic levels at 100.7 per cent of air cargo movements during the first quarter of 2019," said Mavcom executive chairman Datuk Seri Saripuddin Kasim.
Domestic and international air passenger traffic accounted for 47.5 per cent and 52.5 per cent of total quarterly air passenger traffic respectively.
In terms of air cargo movements, Malaysia recorded 227,365 tonnes of cargo movements in Q1 2024, down 6.3per cent YoY compared to 242,750 tonnes in the corresponding quarter last year.
Domestic air cargo movements decreased by 30.7 per cent YoY, while international air cargo movements increased by 7.2 per cent YoY compared to Q1 2023.
Looking ahead to the second quarter of 2024, Mavcom is optimistic about the continued recovery and growth of the aviation industry, despite recent cancellations and rerouting of flights due to the ongoing tension in the Middle East.
While it is still too early to determine the impact of the conflict, Mavcom anticipates total passenger traffic in 2024 to still land between the its forecasted range.
"Our commitment to robust consumer protection measures and regulatory oversight remains unwavering, underscoring the industry's pivotal role in fostering connections and driving economic sustainability," said Saripuddin.