Malaysian aviation body cuts passenger traffic growth aim

KUALA LUMPUR (Nikkei Markets) -- Malaysia's aviation authority Tuesday trimmed passenger traffic growth forecast for this year following the coronavirus outbreak, adding to the woes of the country's airlines and airport operators following an air safety rating downgrade by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration.

Passenger traffic will likely increase 4.6%-to-5.7% this year, lower than a previous projection of 5%-to-6% growth due to the coronavirus outbreak, said Azmir Zain, chief operating officer of Malaysian Aviation Commission, or Mavcom. Revenue for airlines and airport operators will also be impacted, he said.