MELAKA: Local tourism players express concern over the absence of commercial flights at Melaka International Airport (LTAM) in Batu Berendam. The airport has been experiencing a rare loss of service, as evidenced by empty check-in desks, a baggage carousel, and other counters since last month. Flights to destinations such as Pekan Baru, Indonesia have been discontinued.
Khairulnizam Kasim, Chairman of the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Melaka chapter, emphasizes the importance of commercial flights for the growth of the local hospitality industry. He describes the loss of commercial flights as a sad and rare occurrence for a tourist state like Melaka. Additionally, Khairulnizam notes that the airport plays a crucial role in generating steady revenue for hotels and related industries. Business travelers and individuals attending conferences and events also rely on flights to the airport.
Khairulnizam reveals concerns about the negative impact of this development on the hospitality industry, especially with the upcoming Visit Melaka Year 2024. He asserts that the absence of airlines servicing LTAM will severely affect the industry. Goh Hock Gin, Chairman of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) Melaka Chapter, adds that the halt in commercial flights will also affect medical tourism. The direct flights from Penang and Pekan Baru to LTAM provided a boost to the local medical tourism industry, particularly with regards to Indonesian visitors.
LTAM had experienced a resurgence in activity last September when direct flights from Penang and Pekan Baru were introduced after a three-year hiatus caused by the pandemic. Wings Air also started operating a direct flight route from Pekan Baru to LTAM on May 15. However, a pilot, choosing to remain anonymous, reveals that airlines operating at LTAM have not provided clear reasons for suspending services to these destinations.
The Star has reached out to Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh for comment.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
