Loh: AirAsia call holds key to Ipoh-Langkawi flight revival

The fate of the Ipoh-Langkawi flight route from the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport (LTSAS) in Perak rests solely on the shoulders of AirAsia, affirmed the Perak state government on Monday.

The State Tourism, Industry, Investment, and Corridor Development Committee chairman, Loh Sze Yee, addressed the media during the welcoming event for the first wave of tourists at LTSAS, coinciding with the launch of Visit Perak Year 2024.

LTSAS and AirAsia to examine

Loh Sze Yee, shedding light on the status of the Ipoh-Langkawi route, stated, “There are many factors, including demand, ticket prices, the existing aircraft stock, time constraints, routes, and so on.

Therefore, further clarification needs to be referred to the airline to make an announcement.” The route had been described as temporarily suspended, not terminated, as per Loh’s statement on September 25.

Loh indicated that he had brought the issue to the attention of both AirAsia and the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport (LTSAS).

Despite this, a definitive date for the resumption of the flights remains undetermined, pending further examination and consideration by the involved stakeholders.

Designation as a regional flight hub

Simultaneously, Loh Sze Yee revealed that the Perak state government is anticipating a decision from the federal government regarding the designation of LTSAS as a regional flight hub.

The proposal aims to address the challenges faced by other airports nearing capacity. Loh explained, “The proposal (LTSAS as a regional flight hub) is intended to help resolve issues faced by other airports nearing capacity, for example, the nearby airports can focus on flights to the US, the Middle East, or Europe.”

In a significant development on November 22, Loh Sze Yee shared Perak’s plans to transform LTSAS Ipoh into a regional flight hub.

This decision aligns with the airport’s runway, deemed suitable for Airbus A320-type aircraft with a flight range of three to five hours.

The state government has already proposed the implementation of a regional flight hub focusing on flights within ASEAN to Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd.