KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 26): Subang, Ipoh and Penang airports recorded year-on-year (y-o-y) growth in international passenger traffic in September 2026, despite a decline in overall passenger movements across Malaysia Airports' local network.

In a statement Monday, Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) said its Malaysian network handled 7.8 million passengers during the month, down 12% from a year ago, with international traffic falling 2.2% to 4.3 million and domestic movements declining 21.8% to 3.4 million, although the three regional airports saw increases in international traffic

“Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang recorded 59,000 international passenger movements, an increase of 24.1% y-o-y, while Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh registered 31,000, up 16.6%.

“Penang International Airport also recorded a 5.3% increase in international traffic to 348,000 passengers, accounting for approximately 57%of its total September movement,” it said. 

MAHB said Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in Kota Bharu handled 5,000 international passengers in September, following the introduction of new international services in June.

“The airport's expanded terminal, which opened in April, has increased its annual handling capacity from 1.5 million to 4.0 million passengers,” it said. 

Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) handled about 4.9 million passengers in September, MAHB said. 

“Its international network expanded with Sun PhuQuoc Airways beginning services to Phu Quoc on Sept 1, while Gulf Air introduced direct flights from Bahrain on Sept 30, becoming the 10th West Asian carrier to serve KLIA,” it said. 

MAHB also said its Malaysian operations handled 75.2 million passengers in the first nine months of 2026, down 2.4% y-o-y, while international passenger traffic rose 4.5% to 41.3 million.

MAHB managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani said the results highlighted the importance of strengthening regional connectivity while maintaining reliable airport services.

"Airports such as Subang, Ipoh and Penang have an important role in expanding Malaysia's international connectivity.

“We want to build on this momentum by working closely with airlines and tourism stakeholders to develop routes that create more travel opportunities and support the country's tourism ambitions,” he said. 

Mohd Izani added that expanding the network must go hand in hand with improving the passenger experience.

According to KLIA's September Monthly Performance Report, passenger satisfaction stood at 98.8% at Terminal 1 and 99.4% at Terminal 2, while satisfaction with terminal cleanliness exceeded 99% at both terminals, MAHB said.

“The monthly report will provide a consistent view of performance across key passenger touchpoints and help focus further service improvements at both terminals,” it added. 

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