AIR travel in Malaysia showed further signs of recovery in the first nine days of July compared to June, after the relaxation in travel restrictions, said Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) today.

MAHB said passenger and aircraft movements at 39 airports in Malaysia doubled with a daily average of 37,000 and 550 respectively, compared to a daily average of 18,650 and 290 in the last nine days of June.

As Malaysia has not fully opened its borders for international travel, these numbers mainly represent domestic traffic movements, the airport operator said in a statement.

Group chief executive officer Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh said this is a positive sign of gradual recovery for the country’s aviation industry.

“We’re hoping to see larger increases in traffic numbers as we go forward especially with Hari Raya Aidiladha approaching at the end of the month,” he said, adding that local carriers have launched aggressive sales campaigns to increase load factors.

Shukrie also welcomed Malaysia and Singapore governments effort to implement travel corridors that are now under discussion.

 “Therefore, the introduction of the Malaysia-Singapore Reciprocal Green Lane, announced by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia and Singapore yesterday is a welcome start for further relaxation at our borders.”

He said the airport operator is not letting up on efforts in ensuring a safe airport environment for travellers and restoring confidence in air travel.

Recently, it showcased several technology-enabled measures implemented at KL International Airport to provide a contactless airport experience.

On its overseas operation, MAHB’s fully owned asset in Turkey, Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport has resumed with the opening of Turkey’s borders since Sunday. – Bernama, July 15, 2020.