SEMPORNA: Rising airfares driven by high operating costs could undermine the local tourism sector by prompting travellers to choose other destinations, warned Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal (pic).
The Semporna Member of Parliament and Parti Warisan president said while international aviation fuel price increases remain beyond local control, other airline operating cost components can be reviewed to ease carrier burdens and curb ticket price hikes.
Speaking after officiating a franchise restaurant opening here on Thursday, the former Chief Minister suggested reducing landing charges and other fees imposed on carriers to help them manage heavy commitments, including aircraft maintenance, pilot salaries, and loans.
Shafie warned that airlines could struggle to sustain operations without targeted cost support, which would ultimately disrupt flight connectivity and damage the wider tourism industry.
He urged the Government to strengthen tourism facilities across Sabah’s diverse attractions, noting that boosting tourist arrivals alongside flight frequencies is necessary to help offset high airline operating costs.
