KLIA drops ranks, disappointed transport minister Anthony Loke eyes for top 10

Transport minister, Anthony Loke expressed his disappointment regarding Kuala Lumpur International Airport’s ranking of 67 in the Skytrax World Airport Awards. He said that KLIA should by now already be in the top 10. Loke spoke to the press at the opening ceremony of Plaza premium first and Plaza premium lounge at KLIA’s terminal 1. The conference was reported by The Star and seen by A+M.

In response to the airport’s drop in rankings by five places compared to last year, Loke said that the airport was previously considered one of the best in the world when it was launched nearly 25 years ago. He added that with more strategic and concerted efforts, it can regain its status. Loke pointed out that he is unhappy with the ranking and airport management, while a huge task, needs to be improved to make KLIA a landmark Malaysians are proud of. The drop in ranks, Loke said, “shows a downward trend and it is something that we need to pay attention to.”

KLIA’s ranking comes shortly after it came under fire its inefficient processes. It recently copped flak for its long queues and waiting time that travellers had to face. Earlier this year, media reported a two-hour waiting time for incoming travellers at KLIA. Netizens took to their social media pages to express their disappointment.

Meanwhile, in a bid to ramp up the airport's efficiency, the Malaysian government agreed to rebrand Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2) to KLIA Terminal 1 and KLIA Terminal 2 respectively. In a press statement, Malaysia Airports managing director, Dato’ Iskandar Mizal Mahmood said the move will allow for more effective marketing of the airport’s services, thus strengthening KL International Airport’s position as a regional hub. Moving forward, Loke said that he will be calling for related parties to join forces in order to make tourists' travel experience a smooth one. 

According to The Edge, since the inception of the rankings in 1999, KLIA has made the top 10 on four occasions, it was second place in 2001, fifth in 2010, ninth in 2011, and eighth in 2012.  The Edge also quoted Loke saying that the use of digital technology will help bring “a new level of convenience” for passengers. Meanwhile, just across the border Singapore Changi Airport was named the World’s Best Airport 2023. The ranking are based on a number of factors such as shopping, check-ins, immigration and others.

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