SEPANG – After nearly a decade, Lufthansa German Airlines will resume direct services to KL International Airport (KLIA), reconnecting Kuala Lumpur with Frankfurt. Beginning end-October this year, the airline will operate five weekly flights using the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, offering 287 seats across premium and economy cabins. The announcement was made at the ITB Berlin 2026, the world’s leading tourism trade fair.

The new service strengthens direct links between Malaysia and Europe while reinforcing KLIA’s role as a preferred regional hub. KLIA currently serves 71 airlines connecting passengers to 143 destinations worldwide, and Lufthansa’s addition further expands travel options for both leisure and business travellers. The service also increases the Star Alliance presence at KLIA to ten member airlines, enhancing alliance connectivity and transfer opportunities.

Malaysia Airports Managing Director, Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani said the airline’s return reflects the airport operator’s continued efforts to expand global connectivity through strategic airline partnerships, “Lufthansa’s return to KLIA reflects the continued strengthening of our connectivity and the growing demand for direct links between Malaysia and Europe. Expanding airline partnerships remains central to our efforts to grow KLIA’s global network and support our ambition to position Malaysia as the most connected country in the Asia Pacific. As Visit Malaysia 2026 gathers momentum, enhanced connectivity will play an important role in attracting visitors, facilitating business travel and strengthening Malaysia’s role as a regional gateway.”

Through its Frankfurt hub, Lufthansa offers onward connections to major European destinations including Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Italy and Eastern Europe. The service will also provide additional belly-hold cargo capacity, supporting Malaysian exports and facilitating stronger trade flows between Malaysia and Europe.

SEPANG – Passengers travelling to, from, or transiting through parts of the Middle East are advised to check their latest flight status directly with their respective airlines before proceeding to the airport.

Airspace restrictions in certain parts of the region may result in delays, rerouting or cancellations based on airline safety assessments. Even where services continue to operate, schedules and routing may be revised at short notice. Passengers are advised to verify their flight status directly with their airline before proceeding to the airport.

Passengers intending to travel to affected Middle East destinations should note that disruptions are not limited to direct services from KL International Airport (KLIA). Even if travelling via alternative transit points outside the region, onward services into affected destinations may be suspended or restricted. Travellers are therefore advised to verify the status of their entire journey, including connecting sectors, before making travel arrangements.

The airport community including Malaysia Airports as the operator, airlines, ground handlers, regulators and relevant airport stakeholders are working in close collaboration to monitor developments. Airport teams are on standby to provide guidance and coordinate with airlines on necessary arrangements, and to provide assistance to affected passengers at the terminals.

Passengers are encouraged to ensure their contact details are updated with their airline and to monitor official airline and airport channels for timely updates.

For information on passenger rights, travellers may refer to the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code under the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM).

Official travel advisories issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia (Wisma Putra) should also be consulted prior to travel.

Safety remains the highest priority. Passengers are advised to plan ahead and stay informed.

9 January 2026, Selangor - Cenergi SEA Berhad (“Cenergi”), a subsidiary of UEM Lestra Berhad, and KLIA Aeropolis Sdn. Bhd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (Malaysia Airports) are co-developing a 36MWp large scale solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant integrated with a 45MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) under the Solar for Self-Consumption (SELCO) programme. 

The project, undertaken by Cenergi Aeropolis Renewable Energy Sdn. Bhd. (CARE), a joint-venture between Cenergi and KLIA Aeropolis, will be located within the KLIA Aeropolis precinct and is designed to supply clean, renewable energy directly for airport operations at KL International Airport (KLIA). The integration of energy storage positions the project among the early large-scale self-consumption solar developments in Malaysia to incorporate BESS, enhancing energy reliability and operational efficiency. 

“The CARE project marks Cenergi’s first deployment of a Battery Energy Storage System integrated with a large-scale solar facility. This milestone reflects our commitment to advancing innovative and reliable renewable energy solutions that support decarbonisation while enhancing energy resilience for critical infrastructure,” said Ir. Kwok Yew Hoe, Group Chief Executive Officer of Cenergi SEA Berhad. 

“This initiative marks a key milestone in Malaysia Airports’ Net Zero Decarbonisation Roadmap, supporting the target of achieving a 20% renewable energy mix by 2030 and Net Zero Carbon by 2050. The integration of on-site solar generation with energy storage delivers clean energy to KLIA while enhancing energy resilience and advancing our long-term sustainability commitments,” said Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani, the Managing Director of Malaysia Airports. 

Upon completion, the CARE solar and BESS facility is expected to generate approximately 46 GWh of clean electricity annually over a project lifespan of 25 years. The project is projected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 35,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year, equivalent to removing about 8,000 vehicles from the road or powering approximately 13,400 homes annually. 

The inclusion of BESS enables more effective energy management by optimising solar energy utilisation, supporting peak demand requirements, and improving system stability. This strengthens KLIA’s efforts to achieve Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) Level 4 while increasing the adoption of renewable energy across airport operations. 

The CARE project reflects the shared commitment of Cenergi and Malaysia Airports to advance sustainability initiatives and demonstrates how renewable energy and energy storage solutions can be practically deployed within critical infrastructure environments. It also aligns with national aspirations to accelerate the transition towards cleaner energy sources and strengthen long-term energy resilience. 

Through CARE, Cenergi continues to expand its renewable energy portfolio while delivering solutions that combine environmental stewardship, technological innovation, and operational reliability.

SEPANG – Following a successful three-month trial, KL International Airport (KLIA) will begin full enforcement of its Vehicle Access Management System (VAMS) on 1 December 2025. The system is intended to keep kerbside traffic smooth, reduce congestion, curb touting, and strengthen overall safety and security within the area. 

The trial phase has shown changes in driving behaviour. Over the past three months, the number of vehicles exceeding the 10-minute kerbside limit dropped from 50% to 21% showing strong user cooperation and a marked reduction in congestion. The trial period data affirms the need to transition into full enforcement over phased stages. 

Managing Director of Malaysia Airports, Dato’ Mohd Izani Ghani said that data from the trial showed that kerbside congestion improves when vehicles observe the 10-minute limit, “The vast majority of KLIA users have done so. With full enforcement starting 1 December at T1, we are ensuring that terminal access remains orderly and that everyone has a fair chance to use the drop-off and pick-up lanes efficiently. This consistency is especially important as we enter the year-end travel peak and gear up for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.” 

VAMS uses License Plate Readers (LPR) to capture the exact entry time of each vehicle. A 10-minute grace period is applied for quick drop-offs and pick-ups. Digital screens on-site display the license plates of vehicles that exceed the 10-minute limit. Upon exit, the system automatically calculates the total duration of stay. Vehicles that exceed the limit will be charged a penalty, up to a maximum of RM100. Payment can be made via Touch ‘n Go, credit card and MyDebit.

This targeted enforcement approach is designed to ensure lanes remain continuously available for passengers and to maintain orderly terminal access.

Drivers who require more time to wait, several alternative waiting areas are available, including the Short-Term Car Park (STCP) with 15 minutes of free parking, the Long-Term Car Park (LTCP) offering 30 minutes free, and the KLIA Public Waiting Area, which is a designated free waiting zone.