JOHOR BARU: The growth in air traffic volume at the Senai International Airport is attributed to consumers' sentiments and the state's unique attractions and business opportunities.
Johor Trade Investment and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Lee Ting Han said there is growing interest in the state and this drew visitors.
Visitors included those looking for business opportunities, given the numerous investment prospects offered in Johor.
"Tourism is another factor contributing to the growth in air and foot traffic.
"Johor offers various tourist opportunities be it recreational, cultural, medical and retail, among others.
"Logistically, Johor's strategic location, is another factor," he told the New Straits Times.
The state government is actively planning Visit Johor 2026 and upgrading works were apparent in the state.
The Senai Airport underwent a RM11.9 million upgrading project which increased its passenger handling capacity from 4 million to 5 million per year.
Further expansion and upgrading of the airport to handle up to 7 million passengers is also in the offing.
Lee said discussions are ongoing with other aviation companies to increase the flight frequencies and routes to Johor.
Earlier, Business Times reported Malaysia's international airports doubled its
growth in air traffic to a 14 per cent year-on-year increase.
The Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) reported that the Senai International Airport topped the chart with a 37 per cent increase in international passenger traffic, while Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Penang International Airport and Kota Kinabalu International Airport, all saw more than 20 per cent increases.
Senai International Airport chief executive officer Kennedy Ayu attributed the achievement to the positive economic environment in Johor.
He said Johor Menteri Besar Johor Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi played a major role in attracting foreign companies to invest in the state, which was
instrumental in driving growth and prosperity.
He said the Mavcom report reflects the strong economic growth and tourism development that saw positive air traffic via Senai to Johor Baru.
Johor's strategic location, modern infrastructure, and diverse economic landscape, characterised by a strong manufacturing base and a thriving services sector, also contributed significantly to the positive growth in passenger traffic.
He anticipated further increase in foreign and domestic direct investments that will drive passenger traffic growth in the coming months.
The Covid-19 pandemic affected the aviation industry badly.
However, as of Aug 26, Senai International Airport recorded 37.5 per cent growth in passenger traffic.
Kennedy said Senai's domestic passenger traffic is at 77 per cent of pre-Covid 19 levels, while its ASEAN routes have fully recovered, at 120 per cent.
Senai's international traffic recorded a remarkable 207 per cent year-on-year increase.
He said their airline partners namely AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, TransNusa, and Firefly had increased their flight frequencies and expanded their routes to Johor.
Kennedy also expressed his gratitude to the state government, passengers, airline partners and airport staff who played a role in the airport's growth.