GEORGE TOWN: The state’s tourism industry has seconded the proposal for a new low-cost carrier terminal (LCCT) by AirAsia at the Penang International Airport (PIA) complex in Bayan Lepas.
State Tourism Development, Heritage, Culture and Arts Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said PIA could not cope with the current volume.
“During peak season, the airport is overcrowded, which will leave a bad impression on domestic and foreign tourists visiting Penang.
“With the LCCT planned for Penang, it can reduce the traffic congestion at the current PIA terminal.
“It will also bring more international direct flights to Penang,” Yeoh said.
Malaysian Association of Hotels Penang chairman Khoo Boo Lim said the LCCT would solve the problem of crowded budget airlines at PIA.
“Building the LCCT may allow other major airlines to consider flying directly to Penang because there will be more space.
“Right now, the airport is crowded and we are hoping for more direct flights into and out of Penang from more countries.
“We want more major airlines to come in, such as Qatar Airways, as it will start the ball rolling for bigger airlines to directly fly into Penang.
“This way, we will have a chance of capturing higher-end tourists as well,” he said.
Khoo said this would create a balance, as many higher-end do not come to Penang because they need to take a connecting flight.
“This might attract big hotel chains to consider opening in Penang in the future.
“We cannot deny that there is a huge market for low-cost carriers as well, so the LCCT will help us reach out to a larger market segment of tourists,” he added.
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