Three new flight routes, including one international and two domestic services, are expected to be introduced through Melaka International Airport (LTAM) in Batu Berendam by the end of this year.
Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the proposed routes are Melaka–Batam–Melaka, Melaka–Kota Bharu–Melaka and Melaka–Penang–Melaka.
He said the state government is currently in discussions with several airlines, including a low-cost carrier, to establish the new services.
“We are negotiating with a number of airlines to open routes to Batam, Kota Bharu and Penang.
“We hope to make these routes a reality this year, but the final decision will depend on the airlines’ assessments and evaluations,” he told reporters after visiting Melaka International Airport during the Melaka–Pekanbaru–Melaka flight event.
Also present were Deputy State Tourism, Heritage, Arts and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Zaidi Attan and Tourism Melaka General Manager Nasrul Ahmad.
Ab Rauf said the state government is also working closely with the Federal Government to ensure facilities at LTAM are capable of supporting the operational requirements of the airlines involved.
According to him, the proposed routes form part of efforts to strengthen Melaka’s position as a tourism destination while boosting visitor arrivals and stimulating economic growth.
He noted that although LTAM is smaller than many other airports in Malaysia, the facility continues to be efficiently managed by Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB).
“Despite Melaka being a small state, around 150 flights are conducted daily here by the Malaysia Flying Academy.
“With the addition of new commercial routes, air traffic activity in Melaka is expected to increase further,” he said.
Ab Rauf added that the state’s growing economy has attracted interest from airlines looking to explore the potential of Melaka as a regional aviation hub.
Earlier, he explained that the visit to LTAM was aimed at assessing areas for improvement at the airport, including immigration facilities, check-in services and arrival procedures for international visitors.
The state government believes the expansion of flight connectivity will not only improve accessibility to Melaka but also strengthen the tourism, business and investment sectors in the years ahead.
