KLIA To Welcome Three Or Four New Airlines By Year-end - MAHB MD
SEPANG, Sept 30 (Bernama) -- Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is expected to welcome three or four new airlines by the end of this year, with discussions already at an advanced stage.
Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) group managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani said the airport operator is preparing for the arrival of the new carriers as it continues to expand KLIA’s international airline network.
"We are looking forward to a few airlines coming in from now until the end of the year. At least three or four airlines will be coming before year-end, and we are preparing ourselves for that. Discussions with those airlines are quite advanced and, as I said, by year-end, about three or four airlines will be coming to KLIA, and we are excited about it," he told reporters after the welcoming reception for Gulf Air’s inaugural direct flight from Bahrain to Kuala Lumpur at KLIA Terminal 1 here today.
Mohd Izani said Malaysia Airports wants to ensure that KLIA is well positioned to facilitate more airlines flying into the country, particularly as Malaysia seeks to attract more international visitors.
Meanwhile, Mohd Izani said MAHB is gearing up for increased passenger and visitor movements in conjunction with the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) from Oct 2 to 4. He added that about 200,000 spectators are expected to attend the race over the three days, with Sunday anticipated to record the highest turnout.
Mohd Izani said the government has also established a special task force to ensure that relevant agencies work together to facilitate smooth movement during the event, with MAHB among the agencies represented on the committee. He also encouraged spectators to use public transport to avoid congestion, noting that parking facilities around KLIA are limited.
Malaysia is set to welcome F1 back to the SIC after nine years, through the hosting of the F1 Bahrain GP. The SIC previously hosted the Malaysian Grand Prix from 1999 to 2017, before it was dropped from the F1 calendar following rising hosting costs and licensing fees. The prestigious race's return to Malaysia follows successful diplomacy between His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia and King Hamad Isa Al-Khalifa of Bahrain.
On Gulf Air's inaugural direct service between Bahrain and Kuala Lumpur, Mohd Izani said the airline’s return to KLIA comes at a timely juncture, ahead of the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2026 and during Visit Malaysia 2026. "With an increase in international visitors expected, we are ready to manage the higher passenger volumes and have operational plans in place across both terminals. These include optimising passenger flows, coordinating closely with airlines and relevant government agencies, and strengthening on-ground support to ensure a smooth and welcoming arrival experience," he added.
Operated using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, Gulf Air’s year-round service will operate three times weekly. The launch makes Gulf Air the 10th Middle Eastern carrier serving KLIA, further expanding the airport’s international airline network.
-- BERNAMA