PETALING JAYA: More direct and long-haul flights and better connectivity between the two ­terminals are what the KL International Airport (KLIA) needs to position itself as a competitive global transit hub, say stakeholders. If Malaysia wanted to be a leading transit hub, she said, it must have more direct flights from ­several countries. “To become a transit hub, the airport must be large, with multiple runways and have the ability to handle all types of aircraft. Singapore-based independent aviation analyst Brendan Sobie said KLIA was already a major transit hub catering to regional travel but it had limited long-haul routes. To be an intercontinental or long-haul transit hub, he said Malaysia needed a strong local long-haul carrier, and that long-haul aircraft required a massive investment.

Source: The Star March 26, 2026 07:02 UTC