Malaysia keeps RM499 festive flight cap and expands student subsidy
The 2026 festive subsidy window covers four days before major celebrations, up from three, while FLYsiswa eligibility extends to more institutions.
Malaysia will keep its festive airfare ceiling at RM499 for one-way journeys departing the Peninsula for Labuan, Sarawak or Sabah, the Transport Ministry said. Taxes and fees are excluded. The government will also continue FLYsiswa, its student flight subsidy programme, with broader eligibility.
The ceiling was previously RM599. In 2026, the festive subsidy will apply during the four days preceding major celebrations, compared with three days previously. The celebrations covered are Christmas, Gawai, Kaamatan, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Chinese New Year.
FLYsiswa supports domestic air travel connecting the Peninsula, Labuan, Sarawak and Sabah. Existing eligible institutions include teacher training institutes, matriculation colleges, community colleges, polytechnics and public universities. The 2026 expansion adds IMPAC, state-owned higher education institutions, government-linked universities, ILJTM and Aswara.
The ministry detailed the measures in a parliamentary reply to Jerantut MP Khairil Nizam Khirudin. His question concerned affordable flights amid conflict in West Asia and disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. According to the ministry, aviation fuel makes up 30 to 40 per cent of airlines’ operating costs.
Other support included a ticket rebate worth RM50 for journeys between May 15 and June 14, 2026. With RM5 million allocated, the measure benefited 100,000 Malaysian passengers.
Airlines were also given 60 days, instead of 30, to pay Route Air Navigation Services charges. MAHB extended payment terms to 60 days for non-Passenger Service Charge elements. Implementation of new Check-in Counter and Passenger Boarding Bridge charges was postponed for two months, while the government agreed to waive aircraft parking charges for Malaysian airlines when appropriate.
