THE capacity of Penang International Airport (PIA) will expand by almost 100% from 6.5 million passengers to 12 million, said Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.

He said this was according to a written reply by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai to him in Parliament.

The reply on Monday stated that the Federal Government, through Budget 2018 presented on Oct 27, had agreed to upgrade the PIA.

“We are in the midst of discussions with Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd on the upgrading. As such, the project cost is yet to be determined,” said Liow in his reply.

Lim, who shared the reply in his Facebook page yesterday, requested for details on the expansion plans, the costs and the growth of PIA compared with other airports.

Liow, in his reply, stated that the total passengers handled by PIA up to October was 449,580 more than the same period last year.

“It increased to 5.92 million passengers compared with 5.47 million passengers in the same period last year.

“This is a growth of 8.2% compared with other airports, which recorded growths ranging from -8.5% to 13.5%,” said Liow.