KLIA expects new airlines as Malaysia prepares for increased international passenger traffic
Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is expected to welcome three or four new airlines by the end of 2026, with discussions with prospective carriers already at an advanced stage. Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) group managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani said the airport operator was preparing for the new carriers as Malaysia sought to attract more international visitors.
Mohd Izani made the announcement on Sept 30 after attending the welcoming reception for Gulf Air’s inaugural direct flight from Bahrain to Kuala Lumpur at KLIA Terminal 1 in Sepang. He said the airport operator was preparing its facilities and operations to accommodate additional airlines and international passenger movements.
“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,” he said.
“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 added.
Mohd Izani said Malaysia Airports wanted to ensure KLIA was well positioned to facilitate more airlines flying into Malaysia, particularly as the country sought to attract more international visitors.
He also said MAHB was preparing for increased passenger and visitor movements in conjunction with the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit from Oct 2 to 4. About 200,000 spectators were expected to attend the race over three days, with Sunday anticipated to record the highest turnout.
The government had established a special task force involving relevant agencies to facilitate movement during the event, with MAHB represented on the committee. Mohd Izani encouraged spectators to use public transport, noting that parking facilities around KLIA were limited.
Gulf Air’s return to KLIA comes ahead of the Formula 1 event and during Visit Malaysia 2026. Its year-round Bahrain-Kuala Lumpur service, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, will run three times weekly. The service makes Gulf Air the 10th Middle Eastern carrier serving KLIA.
Source: BernamaBiz
