KUALA LUMPUR (June 29): MIDF Research has maintained its “Neutral” rating on Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) with an unchanged target price of RM6.35 after an armed attack and suicide bombing at Istanbul's main international airport.

In a report in response to the attack today, MIDF Research head Zulkili Hamzah said incoming flights to the Ataturk Airport had been cancelled and that the airort will be closed in the meantime until the authorities manage to put things in order there.

He said flights couild be diverted to MAHB’s Instanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (ISGA) in the interim causing a temporary rise in passenger (pax) movements.

“However, we beliece short term sentiment and travel advisories on Turkey might hinder tourist arrivals.

“Recall that ISGA already experienced its traffic growth halved to 10% from 20% in April-May.

“We are watching closely monthly pax figures for ISGA and could lower our forecasts for the fully owned subsidiary should weakness persist and do noty show signs of improving,” he said.

Reuters reported that a total of 31 people were killed and 147 more wounded in Tuesday's attack on Istanbul's main international airport, quoting broadcaster HaberTurk said, citing Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag.

It said three suicide bombers opened fire before blowing themselves up in the main international airport in Istanbul on Tuesday, killing 28 people and wounding dozens more, the provincial governor and witnesses said.