SHORTAGE OF FLIGHTS TO AND FROM LABUAN MAINLY DUE TO ‘LOAD FACTOR’ - HASBI

LABUAN, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- The shortage of flights to and from Labuan is primarily due to the ‘load factor’ -- the economic feasibility airlines consider when determining flight frequencies based on passenger demand. 

Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said while the Ministry of Transport (MoT) has the authority to approve new or additional flights upon request, the final decision rests with commercial airlines.

"We cannot simply instruct airlines to increase flights to specific destinations because it remains a commercial decision based on the load factor,” he said at a press conference after his working visit to the Labuan branch of the Road Transport Department (RTD) today.

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"If airlines apply for new or additional flights, we can approve them, but ultimately, it is up to the carriers."

He said this limitation has led to mounting frustration among tourists, local businesses and residents, who are increasingly finding it difficult to travel to and from the island. 

“The reduced number of flights not only deters tourists but also impacts the local tourism sector that relies heavily on visitor traffic for their survival.

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Hasbi said that to resolve the issue, local authorities and tourism organisations must collaborate to increase the demand for flights by making Labuan a more attractive destination. 

"For airlines to consider adding more flights, we need to boost demand… This requires local authorities and tourism bodies to work together, creating more attractions and actively promoting Labuan as a must-visit location," he added.

With Visit Malaysia Year 2026 on the horizon, efforts must be focused on enhancing tourism attractions.

--BERNAMA