Melaka eyes 1 new international, 2 domestic routes by year end

PETALING JAYA: Melaka is seeking to open one new international flight route and two domestic routes through Melaka International Airport by the end of this year, says chief minister Ab Rauf Yusoh.

Rauf said the routes are Melaka-Batam, Melaka-Kota Bharu and Melaka-Penang.

“The state government is negotiating with several airlines, including a low-cost carrier, to open the three routes. We will try our best to have this done this year, but it depends on the airlines’ evaluations,” Berita Harian reported him as saying at Melaka International Airport today.

He said the state government is also holding discussions with Putrajaya to ensure the airport’s facilities are sufficient for the airlines’ operations.

While the airport is smaller than other airports in the country, it has been managed well by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd, Rauf said.

“We have 150 flights a day by the Malaysia Flying Academy. The state’s airspace will become even busier with the addition of these new routes.

“The state’s economic growth has drawn many airlines to consider Melaka’s potential as a flight hub,” he said.