KLIA to have third terminal

Even KLIA2, which began operation last year, is near full capacity. The Jan 2013 AFP photo shows KLIA2 under construction in Sepang.

KUALA LUMPUR: A new terminal is expected to be built at the KL International Airport (KLIA) to expand its total capacity to 100 million passengers a year, said Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abd Aziz Kaprawi.

Airport operator Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) is expected to submit a proposal for the airport’s third terminal in the next two to three years after detailed studies, he told Malaysian reporters on Malindo Air’s maiden flight to  Perth, Australia.

He said last year, KLIA’s main terminal handled 23 million passengers a year, almost near its full capacity of 25 million passengers, while klia2 is also reaching its full capacity of 45 million passengers.

The Government wants to leverage on Kuala Lumpur’s strategic location and make Malaysia a regional air transit hub, he said, pointing out the aviation industry’s bright prospects especially in Asean, India and China with the improved air connectivity wooing more visitors to Malaysia.

Meanwhile, he said MAHB would take proactive steps to improve facilities at klia2 to enhance the passenger experience. - Bernama