KLIA handles 16.9 Million Passengers in Q1 2026 as Malaysia Airports network expands

Strong growth was recorded across Malaysia Airports’ local network in the first quarter of 2026, with KL International Airport (KLIA) recording 16.9 million passenger movements, a 14.4% increase year-on-year. 

In March alone, the local airports handled 9.1 million total passenger movements, with KLIA contributing 5.6 million. The Hari Raya Aidilfitri period from 14 to 29 March was a key driver, with over 3.1 million passengers travelling through KLIA. 

During the same month, Penang International Airport (PEN) saw an 11% rise in international passenger numbers, moving from 371,601 in February to 412,958. Meanwhile, Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) recorded a 2% increase in its domestic passengers, climbing from 541,248 in February to 551,049. This contributed to a total passenger movement of 27.4 million across the local network for the first quarter. 

The Managing Director of Malaysia Airports, Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani said, “Growth across the network continues to be driven by expanding connectivity and the increasing relevance of our airports as regional gateways. Our priority is to match this momentum with the right capacity, seamless operations, and targeted improvements on the ground, ensuring we remain competitive while unlocking further growth opportunities for Malaysia.”

Across the network, continuous upgrades to ambience and facilities are enhancing both passenger comfort and operational efficiency. At KLIA, a large-scale ketupat-inspired installation brought festive cheer to the terminal, seamlessly blending cultural identity with modern design. Regional airports are also seeing targeted improvements, with Langkawi (LGK) and Kuching (KCH) introducing upgraded baby care rooms, while Alor Star (AOR), Kuantan (KUA), Labuan (LBU) and Lahad Datu (LDU) now welcome passengers with refreshed check-in counters. 

Operational enhancements are also improving passenger flow. At Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI), Malaysia Airlines passengers can benefit from early baggage drop-off, offering greater flexibility and a smoother, more convenient pre-departure experience. 
Alongside these efforts, connectivity across the network continues to expand. In March, three new international airlines joined the network, AeroDili from Timor Leste; Air Algerie from Algeria; and Chongqing Airlines from China. 

New routes were introduced across key gateways, including Nanjing–Kuala Lumpur, Chongqing–Kota Kinabalu, Wuxi–Kuala Lumpur, Batam–Kuala Lumpur, Phuket–Penang, Guiyang–Kuala Lumpur, Guiyang–Kuching, Colombo–Kuala Lumpur, and Yangzhou–Kuala Lumpur. At Penang, Qingdao–Penang was introduced as a new route to the airport, strengthening its direct connectivity to China while complementing existing services within the Malaysia network. 

Malaysia Airports’ wholly owned international subsidiary, Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (ISGIA) registered 11.7 million passengers for the first quarter of the year, representing an increase of 12% compared to the corresponding period last year.