Gulf Air’s Return To KLIA Supports Rising Air Travel Demand
SEPANG (Selangor, Malaysia), Sept 30 (Bernama) -- Gulf Air ‘s return to Kuala Lumpur is expected to provide additional international capacity as Malaysia’s air passenger traffic is projected to reach as high as 109.7 million this year.
Malaysia’s Deputy Transport Minister Hasbi Habibollah said Malaysia’s aviation sector continues to record strong passenger demand, with the resumption of the Bahrain-Kuala Lumpur service also strengthening KL International Airport’s (KLIA) position as a key regional aviation hub.
He said airports nationwide handled 104.4 million passengers in 2025, an increase of 11.2 per cent year-on-year, while KLIA alone recorded 63.3 million passengers.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia, meanwhile, has forecast national air passenger traffic of between 103.8 million and 109.7 million passengers in 2026.
"The return of Gulf Air provides timely capacity to help us meet these traffic projections and accommodate the growing demand from international travellers," he said at Gulf Air’s welcoming reception for its inaugural Bahrain-Kuala Lumpur flight at KLIA Terminal 1 here Wednesday.
Hasbi said the service restores an important aviation link between Malaysia and Bahrain while providing travellers with greater connectivity between Malaysia and the Gulf region.
The route also supports the government’s strategy of positioning KLIA as a premier regional hub in Southeast Asia, serving as Malaysia’s main international gateway and also as a transfer point for onward connections across the country and wider ASEAN region.
He said Gulf Air’s return is timely as Malaysia boosts international connectivity in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026 and prepares to host regional sporting events, including the 34th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) and 14th ASEAN Para Games in 2027.
"As we build momentum for Visit Malaysia 2026 and prepare to host the 34th SEA Games and 14th ASEAN Para Games, strong international air links with key source markets like the Gulf are essential. Convenient, year-round flights ensure Malaysia remains an attractive and accessible destination for both leisure and business travellers," he added.
Hasbi said the Transport Ministry, together with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB), is focused on building a safe, competitive and highly efficient aviation ecosystem to effectively manage the growing passenger volume.
Areas being strengthened are airport infrastructure, baggage handling technology, automated immigration gates and terminal digitalisation to ensure KLIA maintains world-class operational efficiency while delivering a seamless and pleasant experience for airlines and passengers alike, he said.
KLIA Terminal 1 on Wednesday welcomed Gulf Air’s new direct Bahrain-Kuala Lumpur service, strengthening Malaysia-Middle East connectivity, particularly ahead of the Oct 2-4 Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Sepang.
The thrice-weekly service is expected to give greater flexibility and capacity for travellers, including motorsport fans heading to Malaysia for the Formula 1 race.
Gulf Air’s inaugural flight GF158 from Bahrain International Airport (BAH), on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, marked its return to Kuala Lumpur. The launch makes Gulf Air the 10th Middle Eastern carrier serving KLIA, further expanding the airport’s international airline network.
The new route also gives travellers from Bahrain and the wider West Asia direct access to Kuala Lumpur, and onward domestic connections to destinations including Langkawi, Penang, Sabah and Sarawak.
MAHB group managing director Mohd Izani Ghani, Bahrain's Ambassador to Malaysia Dr Waleed Khalifa Al Manea, Malaysian Ambassador to Bahrain Shazryll Zahiran and Gulf Air chief executive officer Martin Gauss attended the welcoming reception.
-- BERNAMA
