MELAKA: Seven airlines showed no interest in operating commercial flights at Melaka International Airport (LTAM) at Batu Berendam despite the state government offering them special incentives.
“There are no takers to our offers, but the state government is still harbouring hope that at least one of these airlines would respond before the end of this month as the deadline expires on Oct 30,” said the Melaka works, infrastructure, public amenities, and transport committee chairman said on Wednesday (Oct 25).
Datuk Hameed Mytheen Kunju Basheer said the incentives have been extended to local carriers and those from Indonesia and Singapore since last month.
“Sadly, not a single of these airlines has shown enthusiasm to operate at LTAM with all the good deals offered during our meetings.
“The carriers cited low passenger volume on normal days and high operating costs at our airport,” he said.
Hameed Mythen also didn’t discount the possibility of a second round of offers to the airlines containing additional incentives to woo them to operate flights in and out of LTAM.
“I will discuss these additional offers with Chief Minister (Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh) and try to offer better incentives based on an expected increase in tourist arrivals in the state in conjunction with the Visit Melaka Year 2024,” he added.
