Move to cap domestic airfares beneficial for tourism

The Malaysian government is planning to introduce a price ceiling for domestic airfares by mid-2018, a move that has brought cheers to the local trade for its potential to encourage more tourist inflows and movements around the country.

Deputy transport minister Ab Aziz Kaprawi said the move comes on the back of complaints of expensive flight tickets during festive seasons, reported news agency Bernama.

A study by Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) showed a five-fold increase of airfares during festive periods.

The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) supports the Ministry of Transport’s decision, suggesting that any rise in fares should be capped between 1.5 to two times.

Read more...