The Macau International Airport (MIA) has recorded an increase in both passenger traffic volume and aircraft movement for the month of July, according to a press release issued on Tuesday. New routes are in preparation, but the only one specified in the statement was the resumption of Jetstar Pacific’s route between Macau and Ho Chi Minh.
A Jetstar Pacific Airlines daily flight between Macau and Hanoi was launched in March 2014; however, it was suspended shortly after, when violence escalated in Vietnam over a disputed oil drilling area that was claimed by both Vietnamese and Chinese authorities. Jetstar is also said to be interested in the launch of a new route between Macau and Haiphong, the third-largest city in Vietnam and an important seaport.
Regarding the traffic volume in July, passenger volume surpassed 510,000, representing a year-on-year increase of 3.6 percent, and aircraft movement was recorded to be over 4,800, a 10.7-percent increase when compared to the same period last year.
The airport stated that it “aims to provide more holiday destination options for travelers. Some airlines have increased their flight frequencies over the summer holidays, as well as offering seasonal charter flights to enrich the travel options for passengers.” At present, passengers passing through MIA are mainly from East Asian routes, making up 40 percent of the overall market, followed by mainland China and Taiwan, accounting for 34 percent and 26 percent of passengers respectively. (macaunews/MIA)
