Macau International Airport (MIA) is actively seeking to expand its international routes, with plans to connect the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) to the United States and Europe. The airport operator revealed this in an update following the recent Golden Week holiday, during which MIA witnessed significant passenger and aircraft movements.  

According to the data, around 144,000 passengers and 1,202 flight movements were recorded throughout the period. The airport is aiming to establish itself as a key transit hub, catering to global travellers by introducing new services and enhancing its route network. 

New destinations and transit services 

According to reports, the MIA plans to introduce a new service connecting Macau with Laos and is working with airlines to develop transit routes to Europe and the US. One of the key initiatives involves providing a seamless “one-ticket-through-baggage-check” service for passengers travelling to destinations outside the Asia-Pacific region. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to offer passengers more convenient travel options while encouraging international tourists to visit Macau. The airport’s focus on expanding connections reflects the Macau SAR Government’s tourism goals, which include diversifying Macau’s appeal to foreign visitors. 

Post-pandemic recovery and Golden Week performance 

During the recent Golden Week holiday from 1 to 7 October, MIA experienced a notable increase in traffic. The airport handled an average of 20,000 passengers and 171 flight movements daily, marking a 27 percent rise in passenger numbers and a 24 percent increase in aircraft movements compared to the same period in 2023.  

Although the figures are yet to reach pre-pandemic levels, MIA’s passenger volume and aircraft movements have recovered to 82 percent and 77 percent of 2019 levels, respectively. The continued recovery suggests growing demand for air travel to and from Macau. 

Strengthening regional connections 

In addition to targeting long-haul routes, MIA is expanding its reach within Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia. This regional growth aligns with Macau’s ambitions to attract a broader range of tourists and boost its entertainment offerings, such as concerts and shows. The airport operator is focusing on providing more travel options to both inbound and outbound passengers, further enhancing its role as a vital transport hub in the region. 

As MIA continues to recover from the pandemic’s impact, its strategic efforts to expand long-haul and regional routes signal a commitment to establishing Macau as a prominent international travel destination.