Malaysia seeks to boost Saudi arrivals amid limited flight access

Malaysia is increasing efforts to grow tourist arrivals from Saudi Arabia, its highest-spending source market, which recorded a 23.7 per cent year-on-year increase in 2024, reaching 68,382 visitors.

There are currently 41 weekly flights from Jeddah and Madinah to Kuala Lumpur.

To support growing demand and improve access, Malaysia’s minister of tourism, arts and culture, Tiong King Sing, stated that the ministry is in discussions with Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia, and Batik Air to explore the reinstatement or expansion of direct flights to Saudi Arabia.

He noted that limited flight availability, particularly for corporate travel, has been a constraint. At present, Saudia is the only airline operating regular commercial services to Malaysia, while Malaysia Airlines mainly serves Hajj and Umrah pilgrims.

Tiong recently led a…