LTSIP handled 1.3 million passengers, a 122.9% increase, and welcomed a new Scoot flight from Singapore to boost East Coast tourism.
KOTA BHARU: Sultan Ismail Petra Airport (LTSIP) handled 1.3 million passengers in the first nine months of this year.
This represents a 122.9% increase compared to the same period last year.
Malaysia Airports managing director, Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani, said this growth demonstrates the extraordinary recovery in demand for air travel to Kota Bharu.
“Sultan Ismail Petra Airport is now not just a gateway to the state,” he said.
“It is also an important artery for economic and tourism growth on the East Coast.”
He made these remarks after the Empowerment and Conservation of Rebana Ubi ceremony and Inaugural Scoot Flight at the airport.
Commenting on the inaugural Singapore-Kota Bharu flight, Mohd Izani welcomed the new international service as an initiative to promote tourism.
The inaugural Scoot flight, carrying 50 passengers, proceeded smoothly.
This direct service from Singapore will operate twice weekly, on Fridays and Sundays.
The flight time is 1 hour and 15 minutes.
“We have observed a positive response to this route, and we are confident that with the new airport, we can accommodate the increase in tourist numbers,” he said.
“If this service proves popular, we could consider adding Kota Bharu-Bangkok or Kota Bharu-Jakarta routes.”
He also called on all government agencies to collaborate with Malaysia Airports to further boost the tourism sector in Kelantan. – Bernama
