Agility, Collaboration Critical In Navigating Global Aviation Challenges - MAHB

From Kisho Kumari Sucedaram

BANGKOK, May 13 (Bernama) -- Airport operators must exercise agility and flexibility, and collaborate to navigate the growing uncertainties, such as geopolitical tensions, operational disruptions, and changing passenger expectations, that the global aviation industry faces.

Malaysia Airports Holding Bhd (MAHB) managing director Datuk Mohd Izani Ghani said airport operators must be prepared to respond quickly to unexpected crises while ensuring seamless passenger experiences and long-term growth in connectivity.

“We were just about to recover from Covid-19 when the numbers were already getting up to the level that we aspired to. But then this crisis (conflict in West Asia) came suddenly,” he said during a panel session titled ‘Leadership Dialogue: Prosperity Through Leadership: Reimagining the Airport’s Role in a Changing World’ at the Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific & Middle East Assembly and Conference here on Tuesday.

Izani said the recent disruptions affecting flights to West Asia had impacted passenger traffic, with services to destinations such as Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai temporarily affected.

However, he said the aviation industry has shown resilience, with passengers quickly adjusting travel routes and airports adapting to evolving demand patterns.

“But again, we (the industry) are very flexible and agile to manage any situation that we face,” he said.

Izani noted that Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is also seeking to leverage changing travel flows to strengthen its role as a regional hub.

“One good thing out of this is that passengers quickly try to find new routes to get to Europe, for example.

“At KLIA, for example, we try to cater for that opportunity to make a new hub for this region,” he said.

He said close cooperation among governments, airlines and airport operators is essential to maintaining connectivity and supporting industry recovery.

“The government wants to make sure that this region (Asia Pacific) becomes a new hub and therefore we work very closely with airlines and authorities to make sure that we continue to support airlines to fly,” he added.

MAHB currently manages 39 airports across Malaysia, ranging in size from five international airports to one in Istanbul, Türkiye.

Izani said the airport operator must ensure balanced development and connectivity across the country, including in Sabah and Sarawak.

“We have to make sure that connectivity with the country is there,” he said, adding that airports in Borneo also require continuous upgrades and improvements.

Izani emphasised that collaboration among various agencies operating within airports is increasingly critical to ensuring smooth passenger journeys and efficient airport operations.

“What’s important for customers is a seamless process right from curbside, right to departing flights and arrival as well,” he said.

He noted that airport operators alone cannot deliver seamless travel experiences without coordination involving border control agencies, customs, police and tourism authorities.

“For us, the key thing is collaboration among all the agencies,” he said.

Izani also highlighted operational improvements introduced at KLIA to enhance passenger flow, including measures to ease congestion at the airport curbside.

“For those who have been in KL, you notice maybe a year ago, as you arrived at the departure, a lot of cars were parked at the kerbside, blocking everyone.

“But now we have introduced a system whereby you can have free 10 minutes, beyond that you have to pay,” he said.

According to him, the initiative required approvals from multiple authorities, underscoring the importance of inter-agency cooperation in airport management.

“We have a mantra in the office: 30 minutes curb to coffee. In 30 minutes, you can have coffee at the terminal and before you fly,” he added.

On airport development, Izani said MAHB continues to focus on balancing capacity expansion, customer experience and sustainability across its airport network.

He said expansion works are ongoing at Penang International Airport and Kota Kinabalu International Airport to accommodate rising passenger demand and strengthen regional connectivity.

Beyond infrastructure, MAHB is also advancing sustainability initiatives, including solar energy projects at airports nationwide.

“In fact, in our airports, we are working on a solar farm within the airport locations.

“Thirty megawatt capacity to supplement our energy supply in the airport with a plan to grow further if that works out well,” he said.

The three-day ACI Asia-Pacific & Middle East Assembly and Conference, held from May 12 to 14, gathered approximately 500 airport leaders and aviation stakeholders from across the region to discuss industry resilience, sustainability, connectivity and future growth.

-- BERNAMA