Passengers departing from Malaysian airports will face higher
passenger service charges effective 1 June 2024, as announced by the
Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom).
This decision has stirred mixed reactions, with Malaysia Airports
Holdings (MAHB) witnessing a surge in share prices to a 52-week high at
RM8.69 (US$1.85), while disgruntled travellers took to social media
seeking clarification on the fee hike.
Under the revised structure, travellers departing from Kuala Lumpur
International Airport 1 (KLIA1) will be subject to a fee of RM73
(US$15.57) from 1 June, a notable increase compared to the current
charges of RM35 ($7.47) for ASEAN destinations and RM73 (US$15.57) for
non-ASEAN destinations.
Similarly, passengers departing from KLIA2 and other airports will
see their charges raised to RM50 (US$10.67), marking a RM15 (US$3.20)
increase for ASEAN travel but a RM23 (US$4.91) decrease for non-ASEAN
flights.
Mavcom defended the move, stating it aims to support the aviation
sector's recovery and adaptability in the post-Covid-19 pandemic era. To
encourage domestic travel and maintain affordability, domestic
travellers will pay a standard fee of RM11 (US$2.35) at most airports,
except for Johor's Senai International Airport, where the fee will rise
to RM16 (US$3.41).